KNOWING THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD

by David Neal

John 14:26:”But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” If we want to know God’s will and desire to perform it, then the Holy Spirit will ensure that we understand it. The Holy Spirit searches and reveals the deep things of God and we thereby have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:10-16). Conversely, if we seek our own will in any way then we will not understand God’s will. The Holy Spirit gives truth of understanding – He is the Spirit of truth (Jn 15:26, 16:13)!

Have you ever noticed how different people can look at the same verse of scripture and come up with very different interpretations of the meaning? A person’s perspective may be biased based upon various reasons such as denominational/religious doctrine (doctrines of men), the way they were brought up or taught (traditions of men), pre-conceived notions, or perhaps a cherished lifestyle. In other words, scripture tends to be examined in light of the individual’s desired outcome or prior knowledge (2 Cor 2:17, 4:2). These things interfere with God’s will and are idols in your heart. If the desired meaning is not clearly apparent or is in doubt, then justification is sought. Offensive scriptures are downplayed and desired ones are emphasized. The Word becomes tailored to meet an end. These look at God’s Word through the eyes of the flesh. We must examine God’s Word through the Spirit.

The flesh desires that which is contrary to the Spirit (Gal 5:17, Rm 8:4-5). The flesh will not desire to deny itself or make sacrifices. If the truth is not approached with a pure heart and right motives then it is of no use to know it. If the truth says to deny yourself and take up the cross, yet you are not willing, then the truth is of no value to you. Many handle God’s Word as a buffet of suggestions to be picked and chosen from, given a changing appetite. They do what is right in their own eyes (Deut 12:8).

Men find all sorts of ways to justify their errors or desired beliefs. They will take God’s Word and say this doesn’t apply because it is in the Old Testament; or this does not apply because it was only meant for the Jews; or this was only for the early church or during apostolic times; or this is only symbolic; and on and on. God’s Word is eternal and never changing (Js 1:17). Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” What God said in the Old Testament absolutely continues to apply within the context it was said (Mt 13:52). God has been very clear and consistent throughout the Bible that man is to love, obey and serve Him with a whole heart – to cleave to Him. Anything short of total surrender to the will of God and a life of faith is rebellion and sin. Nothing has changed including the fact that man manipulates to have his will prevail in keeping with his fallen nature. Those who love not the truth of God’s Word and use it for selfish ends have judged God’s Word as unworthy in favor of their own or another’s.

What is the correct way to examine God’s Word to accurately understand Christ’s doctrine (teaching)? How can we know the correct context and application of the scriptures? John 7:16-17, Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know (understand) of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” The fundamental condition for obtaining spiritual knowledge (truth) is a genuine heart-desire to carry out the revealed will of God. Proverbs 28:5, “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.” God will give understanding (Lk 24:45, Mt 13:11) to those who will do His will (desire to know and perform His will), they will understand and thus know His doctrine – This God promises! In order to know and apply God’s will, we must totally put our will aside, you cannot have both (who will be Lord?). When we put our will (or idols) aside (doctrines, traditions, likes, dislikes, etc.), then our heart is ready to receive His will. If we truly want to know God’s will, then we will DO IT (this is a must, Js 1:22) when given the truth, because our heart genuinely seeks to please Him (Ps 25:5, 27:11). As we do God’s will our eyes will be opened to the understanding of His Word. Jesus said: John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” His will must become our will. This always results in self-sacrifice on your part (denying the flesh). Christ’s love was sacrificial and we must reciprocate (it’s a relationship).

If you love not the truth and will not die to self to conform to God’s will (Christ’s image, Rm 8:29) then: 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Many claim salvation through the blood of Christ, but they received not the love of the truth. So they have blindness of heart (Eph 4:18-19). To see the truth, we must first turn from our iniquities (Dan 9:13). To be self-serving and holding onto the things of men is to reject God’s truth in favor of your own or another man’s, usually to satisfy the flesh (carnal nature). Notice the verse (Jn 7:16-17) said doctrine (singular) and not doctrines (plural). There are not many teachings or many paths as some might have you believe. Many want to see God as their own image of the way they think He should be. They create their own golden calf and make sacrifices to it! The Holy Spirit will bear witness and teach those who will embrace truth (John 14:26). God sends those who love not the truth a strong delusion such that they believe their own error.

God will confirm our own idols back to us if we love not the truth. Ezekiel 14:3-5, “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.” Do you see the magnitude of these verses? When we approach God with idols in our hearts (favorite doctrines, beliefs, notions, traditions, justifications, wants) or for any reason other than to know the truth (even if it disagrees with our entire understanding) and to live within that truth, then God just confirms our own error back to us according to the multitude of our idols (2 Thess 2:11). God validates what we want to hear because we reject His truth. Our own error becomes a huge stumblingblock that we now suppose God endorses. This becomes the strong delusion that is believed and accepted as truth. God doesn’t force us to hear the truth, and if we’re not seeking to follow it there is no benefit anyway. This happened to Ahab and Jehoshaphat in 1 Kings Chapter 22 (also 2 Chr 18:19-22). These men wanted an affirmative answer so: 1 Kings 22:23, “Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.” The kings received the answer they wanted to hear (2 Chr 18:11), but it was to the undoing of Ahab (wrong path).

God doesn’t tear down the idols that are in your heart, they are there because you want them to be. You have set them up of your own free will and you defend them. The result is: John 12:40, “He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.” God will not force you against your will. God’s truth is eternal and will remain whether you choose to believe it or not. If you seek God’s truth to perform it, then you will receive it as you obey. If you seek confirmation of your own idolatry, you will receive such confirmation to your own demise. The religious, who seek God through the flesh, have never understood this. God responds to us in like manner: Psalms 18:25-27, “With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.”

There is only one solution (continuing from the verses above): Ezekiel 14:6, “Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.” We have to repent and then start seeking the truth – we must love the truth, it sanctifies (Jn 17:19). Psalm 119:167, “My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly” AND Psalms 119:174, “I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.” We must apply the truth and live within it. Psalms 119:133 , “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”

Many religious men seek God to confirm their own idolatry (doctrines and traditions) and God answers them with what they want to hear according to the multitude of their idolatry. Do we not see this demonstrated in the multitudes of religious denominations today? They all differ, yet they are all sure they are hearing from God. Failure to embrace truth becomes a mighty stumblingblock. Many religious institutions have a mixture of truth and error and this is confusion. Israel mixed their worship of God with Paganism and idolatry – so do the religious of today (Jer 7:7-10, 18). Jeremiah 7:19, “Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?” Anything apart from the truth is confusion. Confusion is instability and not a firm foundation.

When we embrace God’s will, He reciprocates: John 14:21, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” AND 1 John 3:22, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” As with any relationship, love is mutual (two sided) and there is union and communion with each other. 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.” As we sincerely love and obey Christ, God gives us intimacy with Himself within proportion to our effort. Prayers get answered and because we are doing His will they are asked with right intent (not asked amiss, Js 4:3). Oh man, do you see God as your own image of Him? God will not be boxed in by your own religious interpretation of Him. God will not be confined by doctrines of men. God is not answerable to men nor does He serve man. He is the great “I AM” and you cannot even comprehend such. Submit, have fellowship and be led.

To correctly obey God we must serve in Spirit and in truth. God defines His very Word as truth. Psalms 119:160, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” We read this Word and apply it to our lives as led by the Spirit. The Bible says that we are to be “doers” of the Word and not hearers only (Js 1:22). Hearers are not justified before God; doers are justified before God (Rm 2:13). When we become doers of God’s Word in seeking His will and not ours, then God will make sure we are “understanders” of His Word and purposes (Ps 119:12, 169). That means that you cannot just sit in religious services and hear the Word and agree with it. You must be actively applying the Word to your life daily – living it! This becomes a “Living Faith.” However, the elders, chief priest and scribes knew the Word of God and also applied it to their lives but fell short. This is why we must also live in the Spirit. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:6, “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” Simply following a list of do’s and don’ts will fall short of God’s desire. God will hold you to your list and you’ll be lacking (Gal 3:12). We must be taught and led of the Spirit how to correctly live out God’s Word with correct motives (attitudes) from the heart out of love. Romans 7:6, “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” Does this mean that God is more lax in our obedience to Him? No! It means that: we cannot fulfill the law on our own (with our abilities and motives); and we must have the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us too voluntarily (out of love) uphold the intent of the law – our heart must change! To simply follow the law with no real love and devotion to God misses the point. Many become servants to the law rather than servants to Christ (He is Lord). The law points out our sin, failings and inabilities (Rm 3:20 & 7:7). Galatians 3:24, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” When we see our great need and submit to Jesus, He gives us the ability through our faith to live correctly for Him. Romans 8:4, “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” We are definitely being led in paths of righteousness for His namesake. Galatians 5:18, “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” The law is not made for the righteous, for they are a law unto themselves with hearts toward God and pure motives, the law is for the disobedient and rebellious (1 Tm 1:9, Rm 2:14-15). Those who love God are willing to follow God’s commands because of their love for Him. They do not have to be forced to do such.

John 6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” If we attempt to understand God’s Word apart from the Spirit we will fail to understand the truth. The flesh profits nothing (Jn 6:57). The flesh wants its dominance and will interpret God’s Word in that disposition. The flesh wants to live in darkness yet profess to be in the light. The Spirit works on us to completely change us – our attitudes and desires. The flesh does not want to be changed it’s a hindrance, a stumbling block and will keep us from truly coming to Christ. The flesh will see God’s love, forgiveness, blessings and grace, but will not see self denial, sacrifice, obedience, forsaking worldliness and crucifixion of self. The flesh does not want to forsake anything, it wants to accumulate. Since the beginning, men living in the flesh have interpreted God’s Word into all manner of erroneous doctrines. Men can be led to follow many a doctrine when the flesh is soothed and pacified and emotions are enticed. We may profess, but will we follow? Jesus said: Luke 9:23, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Jesus also said whosoever does not bear his cross and forsake all that he hath and come after cannot be Christ’s disciple (Lk 14:27 & 14:33). This is not a message for the flesh and is rarely preached in context. Only when we allow the Spirit to quicken will we see the truth and have life. The Holy Spirit regenerates! When we die to ourselves and seek God’s will, we change into something beautiful like a seed planted in the ground or a butterfly emerging from a cocoon.

excerpt from chapter 6 of Jesus said Come, Follow Me! by David Neal [bold emphasis added]

 

ARE YOU A BELIEVER OR A FOLLOWER

by David Neal

The use of the words “believe” and “follow” in the Bible have essentially the same meaning. This is referring to a living faith in God, which is an unreserved (unconditional) surrender of your will to God in full love and obedience to Him, yielding to His purposes. This is seeing Christ as worthy of your full trust and confidence and following in His example. This is allowing God to rule in your heart (Col 3:15).

We develop a very real and personal relationship with Jesus. Questioning God or His purposes simply reveals that you have not totally died to self and there is still some rebellion within you – this is your judgment upon God’s purposes. You do not have any authority to judge God. The only one who has presumed to do such is Satan and this is the nature of his followers. To most the word “believe” is applied as a mere mental acknowledgement, agreement and acceptance of Jesus Christ and what He did, but not necessarily full commitment and submission to Him. This may be evidenced in a desire for a Savior, but not necessarily a Lord. However, anything short of full faith and commitment is hollow, unacceptable and just plain lukewarm.

Christ made a distinction between professing with your mouth and living with your heart: Matthew 15:8, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” He said such worship was in vain (v. 9). Jesus said we must die to our old lives and be “born again.” Until we die to our old way, there can be no conversion (newness of life, new creature, Rm 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15, Col 3:10). Most just want to incorporate being a Christian into their existing life. Sort of like a membership with a get out of hell free card benefit.

Jesus either becomes your life or you have no life in Him. To mentally acknowledge Jesus is equivalent to what the devils do. James 2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” If you have not totally surrendered to Him then you are in rebellion just as the devils are. The devils believe, because Christ’s existence is a fact (Mk 1:34). The devils do not follow because they are in rebellion to Him and His purposes. You cannot live for self and just have Christian aspects to your life. You are either a whole-hearted follower or you are deceived. Self seeking (careers, possessions, entertainments, money, etc.) is just that and is the opposite of seeking God. This is a broad, yet temporal outlook that will never be satisfying or fulfilling (2 Cor 4:18). You’re either one or the other and you are what you are – you decide. When you truly become converted, your desire will be for your Lord and not yourself.

If your belief does not fully manifest in your actions, then for what purpose is it? Being a member at a religious institution does not necessarily qualify you to be a follower. When you follow, Christ is your life twenty-four hours a day (Col 3:4, Lk 20:38). He is in your thoughts, prayers, motives, decisions and actions. Your life is not separable from Christ, for they are one in the same – this is a mystery (Eph 5:25-32). Your life revolves around Him and not you. Your actions will be weighed based upon His light. Your life is found in Christ and that relationship and not in religious activities and works. Your heart should always be to please Him and seek His will – for this you do voluntarily out of love as you seek to glorify God.

A believer’s faith will be tested and tried (1 Thess 2:4). This process will draw us closer to God or push us away. The heart will reveal itself under pressure and must be purified. Impurities are identified and burnt away (removed) as the purifying flame (trials and tribulations) is put to one’s life. This is a denial of the flesh and is not necessarily pleasant, but is spiritually necessary. By nature of the act, to “follow” is to submit, yield and obey.

Mark 8:34, “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus said, “Whosoever will.” What hinders you? The narrow path is not crowded; the invitation is open to all. What is the cost? – Trading your love of self for the love of another (Jesus). John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” What about those who will not “come after” or “follow?” Mark 8:35-36, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Job 27:8, “For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?” To gain self will and supposed control is to lose the life of Christ and ultimately your soul. After a life of doing what is right in your own eyes, what will you exchange for your soul (v. 37)? You have nothing to offer God nor will you take anything with you beyond the grave (Job 1:21). Will you shame Christ by rejecting Him? What goes around comes around (v. 38).

excerpt from Jesus said Come, Follow Me! by David Neal

Also see: A Tremendous Idol

 

REFLECTIONS OF TIMES PAST

The other day my sister and I were having a discussion about a family trip taken several years ago. She remembered the trip as one of the best trips ever, but I did not remember it quite so fondly. As we were going back and forth about what she thought was right about the trip and what I thought was wrong with it, she exclaimed, “Well, according to you, our whole childhood was miserable.” That’s not a direct quote, but she said something along those lines.

Her comment got me to reflecting on why is it that my memories of the past are so different than those of my siblings? No, I’ve never said that my entire childhood was miserable, but I definitely can say that many things about the first 25 or so years of my life are things I would rather not dwell on. Those definitely were not “the good old days” to me.

As I was thinking about my views of my life, the answer became crystal clear. My life is divided into two eras: There is the time before Jesus (1965 to about 1991) and the time after Jesus (1991 to the present). There was my natural birth and then my rebirth. When I repented of my sins and Jesus came into my heart as my Lord and Savior, I was changed. And as I read God’s Word and grew/grow in the knowledge of Him, I was changed even more. It’s kind of like the verse from the song “Amazing Grace.” Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.

I 100% understand what the songwriter of Amazing Grace is saying. Now I see! When I reminisce of those years before I knew Jesus, it is with a heavy heart. Now I see just how abominable and sinful many aspects of my life were. My elementary years were spent surrounded by idols and heathenish customs at a catholic school. My teen/early adult years were spent in rebelliousness and the breaking of God’s commandments. Where is the joy and happy memory in that? I repeat, when you really finally know the Lord and see Him in all His glory (not just hearsay), it changes you. You see things differently. Your heart is different. Your perceptions are different. You see what a wretch you were. You begin to appreciate who God is and all that He has done, and you recognize the ugliness of your past sinful ways and abhor those things.

And I am not the first person who has felt this way. Here are some verses that show you other people in the bible that also experienced this same transformation:

Job 42:5-6, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear; but now mine eye seeth thee: wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

Jeremiah 31:19, “Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.”

Ezekiel 20:43, “And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.”

Luke 18:13, “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

All of these men are describing “now I see” experiences. The Lord took the scales off of their eyes, gave them new hearts, and made them to understand the ugliness of sin. I would imagine that their memories of past experiences were forever altered too. I’m sure if you spoke with them, some of those once thought of good old days did not seem so good after all.

Is this to say that a person will or should have zero happy memories of the time before they became a born-again Christian? Of course not. I have some pleasant memories, for example, childhood trips to the beach, and Thanksgiving dinner made by my mom, and I especially loved it when the Helm’s doughnut truck was outside our front door. But the overall total picture of my life before Jesus is marred because I now clearly see that I was a hellbound sinner who was walking according to the course of this world, according to the Prince of the power of the air. I was part of the family of children of disobedience. I was a child of wrath.

But praise God that I was convicted at heart, repented, and brought from the dead unto the living by the Lord Himself. I have been set free! And the life that I have now makes those “before Jesus” years seem like so much dung and nothingness. My unsaved past with all of its shame, regrets, and confusion does not hold a candle to my Jesus-filled present or heaven-bound future. Hallelujah! So, yeah, is there any wonder that I don’t speak fondly of those bygone days?

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What’s interesting is that God has placed upon every man’s heart the knowledge of Him. Every man, woman, boy and girl has the opportunity to hear His voice, turn from sin, and be born again. But many people will close their ears to God’s calling. Many people would rather remain blind and wretched. As a matter of fact, many people see themselves as someone who is not that bad, someone who does not need to change and definitely does not deserve punishment. And the world that we live in reinforces these beliefs. We live in an era of euphemisms, cliches, and lack of responsibility. People will not even “claim” anything deemed as negative or unflattering about their lifestyle or personality (as though not claiming it makes it invisible to God and man).

Well, don’t believe Satan’s lies to this generation regarding positive affirmations, laws of attraction, or not claiming anything perceived as negative in your life. You cannot be brought forth to the light if you never acknowledge (and learn to despise) the darkness that you are living in. God’s Word tells us that to be saved and fixed, we must first be humbled and our defiant rebellious spirit broken.

Psalm 32:5, “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”

Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Psalm 51:3, “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”

Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

Jeremiah 3:13, “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord.”

Reader, are you sorry for your past sins? Are you ashamed to remember some of the things you have done? If so, that is the Lord convicting your heart. Do not shut out His calling. The Lord uses conviction to bring us to repentance to then bring us to salvation. Acknowledge your transgressions, be sorry, and truly turn from your sins.

2 Corinthians 7:9-10, “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Micah 7:9, “I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.”

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I hope that all of you reading this will reflect on your lives. If the Lord has already brought you from the darkness into His glorious light and you have been born again, praise God. Live each day as a sweet fragrance unto the Lord. Make your heavenly Father proud.

If you are someone who has been convicted at heart and know that you need to change, yet still have not given your life over to Jesus, I would urge you to answer the Lord’s call before it is too late. No man is promised tomorrow.

And, finally, if you are among those who have no shame, no regret, no remorse, and believe that you are just fine the way you are, I have for you these final verses:

Jeremiah 8:12, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.”

John 3:3, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

1 John 1:8, 10, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Revelation 20:15, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

 

THE END IS NEAR MORE THAN YOU THINK

Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, I lay in bed awake. It was too early for me to get up for the day. The sun had not yet even risen. So I just lay there thinking about what I was going to do today. I thought, Well, when it’s light out, maybe I’ll go for a run. I enjoy running for exercise, and I try to do it almost every day. But then I thought, I kind of want to go swimming this afternoon. So maybe instead of running I’ll go swim at the public pool. I learned to swim late in life, and I’m still trying to perfect my form. Then I thought to myself that maybe I would just do both, run and swim.

Anyway, as I lay there having these trivial thoughts, I eventually drifted back to sleep. And as I was sleeping, I had the most vivid unusual dream that I have ever had in my life. It did not even feel like a dream. It felt like a vision.

In my dream I was standing next to someone, and the two of us were witnessing destruction. When we turned and looked to the right, the sky was dark but had a reddish hue, and there were flashes of light. These flashes of light were similar to lightning but seemed even more ominous than lightning. Whatever it was, we knew that it was unsafe to go in that direction.

But as we looked before us straight ahead, we saw buildings, skyscrapers, and there was smoke coming from the buildings. Cracks were forming in the structure of the buildings and parts of the different levels were disintegrating and falling forward. Then we heard screams and saw that masses of people were jumping out of the windows of these crumbling high-rise buildings. There was smoke, lightning, falling debris, and people screaming as they jumped to certain death.

At that moment, I awoke from my dream. But even as I was waking, I could still hear the screams. Then, plain as day, I heard the words, “The end is nearer than you think.”

I continued laying very still in my bed, and then I noticed for the first time that my cheeks were wet with tears that I had not even realized had been shed. I immediately woke up my husband and very emotionally told him everything that I have just shared with you. Now the real question is, what, if anything, does it all mean?

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I believe that this dream/vision was from the Lord and that He wanted me to give a reminder, a warning, and a call to be ready. So, Friend, let me ask you, Are you ready for the end: the end of this world, the end of your life, whichever comes first? If not, you’d better get ready soon because the end is nearer than you think.

People do not like to think about the end of their lives, and they really do not want to think about the end of the world. People like to imagine that time will just go on and on and on, generation after generation. But God’s Word is clear that there is an end for all things. There was a time to be born, and there is a time to die. There was a time for Creation, and there will be a time of destruction. Let’s read one verse now that speaks on the pending time of destruction. 2 Peter 3:10-14 reads, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

In the verses above we see that God’s Word not only tells us what is going to happen, but it also tells us what we must do in preparation for this event. Are you living a godly life? Are you striving against sin, blameless? Do you look forward to facing the Lord, or does that thought scare you because you know that you have not been living as you ought? The end is nearer than you think. Again I ask you, are you ready?

Here is more evidence for your consideration. Our Creator also gives us physical cues that our time here on earth is winding down. We get gray hairs, wrinkles, worsening of eyesight. We witness death around us when friends or family members pass away. The Lord wants us to know how frail we really are lest we begin to believe that we can somehow cheat death. We cannot close our eyes to these signs of our inevitable end. We should embrace this knowledge and do all that we can to make sure that we are without a doubt ready to die. Psalm 39:4, “Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.”

Psalm 89:48, “What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.”

Ecclesiastes 8:8, “There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit, neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.”

Mark 13:32-37, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all. Watch.”

In life we prepare for so many things. We buy health insurance in case we get sick. We buy auto insurance in case we get in an accident. We put money into a 401k so that we can have a little something when we retire. Have you prepared for what is going to happen to your soul after you die? You really need to get ready because the end is nearer than you think. The day of Judgment is coming. 2 Peter 3:6-9, “Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

REPENT BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!

(To find out how to receive salvation, please visit this link: Are you saved?)

 

THE SPIRIT ” BEHIND CHRISTMAS

THE “SPIRIT” BEHIND” CHRISTMAS

By Brother Kim Gossett
Lead Elder, New Covenant Christian Center, Int’l
http://www.newcovenantchristiancenter.com/

What does the following pagan practice remind you of?

Jeremiah 10:2-5
Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen… For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

How about the Christmas tree?

Table of Contents
Introduction: An opening letter to the elders of our churches.
The Spirit Behind Christmas & Building a Foundation for Truth: Let’s suppress our preconceived notions about Christmas and learn the truth.
The Origin of Christmas and Its Foundational Roots: Get the axe! Lay it to the root of this paganism.
The History of Christmas: Christmas was ordered up by the Catholic religion, a.k.a. the Harlot, the Great Whore, and Mother of Abominations.
Today’s Christmas Traditions: Some lies we’ve been told for years!
The Christmas Tree: What does a tree have to do with Jesus? What about the Yule Log/Yuletide? What about mistletoe? Holly? Satan Claus? Kris Kringle?
Conclusion: Bro. Kim wraps up this timely and important Christmas teaching with an exhortation. Thanks Bro. Kim for sharing!

Introduction:
November 5, 1997

To the Elders in the Faith;

Praise the Lord and God bless you on this day. We are called as “Elders” in the faith to stand on and represent the principles concerning the Kingdom of God. I address this cover letter to all men that are “called” by our Heavenly Father to represent the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. We live in a day where the scriptures expressly tell us of perilous times and where doctrines of devils and seducing spirits will lead beloved saints FROM the faith once delivered unto them. We are called as Elders to Shepherd the flock and take oversight (Bishop Ministry) which protects the soul from such deception.

We must remember to not “substitute” views, opinions, emotions or feelings, for Paul warned us in Col.2:8 about how men would spoil the saints with traditions, vain deceits and philosophies which are after the rudiments of the world and NOT after Christ. Jesus Christ himself warned his disciples about the leaven of Pharisees (men’s doctrines, views and opinions) which made the Holy Word of God of none effect (Mt.15:1-10 and Mt.16:1-3) It is therefore of the utmost reverence and fear of the living God that we as men of God should by all means speak truth and only truth, of which there is only one truth and that is the Word of God. “Shall we now persuade men or God? Should we please men? If we please men then we should NOT be the servants of Jesus Christ”. Sound like strong words? Read Gal.1:10

You have heard much, I am sure, these last few years about different aspects of the Christmas Holiday. I would ask you all in Jesus precious name to please read this in detail and with an open heart. Everything spoken is FACTUAL TRUTH and SPIRITUAL TRUTH. The “Spirit” behind this, which you will read about as it is exposed, is one of blasphemy, lasciviousness and sexual perversion. The question is, what will we do with it? Jesus said in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, yet do not the things I say”? If we truly love Jesus we will keep HIS word and offer no strange fire before HIM.

Now to you men of God out there who stand before the children of God as faithful shepherds and Elders, this I ask. As Born-Again, spirit-filled men of God, would you allow someone in your church to: Pray the Rosary? I pray not—you would bring correction. Would you allow someone to Pray to Mary, pray the dead OUT of Purgatory, pray to saints , pray to IDOLS allow someone to lift up the Pope as the vicar of Christ in the earth? I pray not—you would bring correction. WHY would you then allow someone to observe Christmas? It comes from the SAME church!! The SAME spirit!! The SAME roots as the Rosary, Mary worship, Purgatory, Idols. Why would you not allow all the others but EXPLAIN away Christmas?

Think about it. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Do you fear men or God? Speak truth I pray, unto the saints and set them free.. If we are called to speak and live on the Word of God, then why do we observe this thing called Christmas, when it was never recorded, observed or mentioned in the Bible? Since when are we as men of God to bring things to our beloved brethren that are not founded or built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ who is the Word of God? I desire to be a wise-masterbuilder (I Cor.3) and I will take heed to how I build.

There are no views and opinions here. The Pharisees (Religious Elders) stood on the street corners every day beckoning people with the love of God.. These are the very ones who ended up gnashing their teeth and crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ. In John 8:40-44, they were the ones who said their father was God in heaven, yet Jesus said their father was the devil! Who is our Father, I pray we know? It was in John 6:66 (666-the number of man) where many disciples walked with HIM no more due to HIS hard sayings. They followed “THEIR” ways. Prayerfully this is not a hard saying for you.

It is going to take loving, caring and strong men of God in this hour to build the Kingdom of God.. Where is the preaching today that turns the world upside down, causes gnashing of teeth, stoning, and being driven from cities? That is the way the Book of Acts was recorded.

The Kingdom of God DID NOT give us Christmas, but “Christianity” did. The Roman Catholic Church gave us this idolatry.. We know that John the Baptist, Jesus and the Apostles NEVER preached “Christianity”—they preached the Kingdom of God. The name “Christian” was not given to a believer of Jesus, but a DISCIPLE of Jesus Christ—Acts 11. A disciple obeys his master.. Jesus said ONE way, ONE truth, ONE life and ONE door. Christianity alone has over 250 different dogmas and doctrines and denominations in America alone. May we see the truth of many going one way, few and a remnant finding the Kingdom of God.

I would pray you all would honestly search your hearts after reading this. Please do not put it down or throw it away without first reading it through. Let not your soul man sway you because of our “traditions”. Remember why the very first Doctrine of Christ was “Repentance from DEAD WORKS”. May we forever be blessed, and may you have the strength to stand before the saints of God and speak truth. Remember, Prove all things. God Bless you.

I would love to hear from you. If you feel I error in truth, then please bring correction to me, for I am willing to repent (change my way of thinking), but remember that all correction and instruction MUST be by the Word of God. (II Tim.3:15-17) Enjoy this teaching and please do not be offended by some of the things you will read about the sexual perversion behind this thing. E-mail Bro. Kim Gossett.

A brother, friend and servant

Mr. Kim C.Gossett—Lead Elder
New Covenant Christian Center Int’l
World Outreach Director

THE SPIRIT BEHIND CHRISTMAS AND BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF TRUTH
By Brother Kim Gossett
Lead Elder, New Covenant Christian Center, Int’l
http://www.newcovenantchristiancenter.com/
Praise the Lord and God bless each and every one of you about to read this factual and truthful teaching. My prayer for each of you is that you will pray first and then with an open heart and spirit study EVERY scripture quoted and allow your spirit to show you factual truth. Please submit your heart to the Word of God and with all seriousness and reverence, enter into this with the Holy fear of God. Do not let the hardness of your heart provoke you nor your emotions and feelings rule you. Hearken to the Spirit of God and let TRUTH be TRUTH. Please take the time to read the whole teaching. Do not start and then put it aside because of disbelief. Please read it all.

Jesus said in Luke 4:4 and in Mt.4:4, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.” Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “IF you CONTINUE in my word, are you my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall make you free.” Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments, and in verse 23, if a man love me, he will keep MY words.” Jesus also said in John 16:13-15, “Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth is come, HE will guide you into ALL TRUTH: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear, shall HE speak: and HE will SHEW you things to come. HE shall glorify me; for HE shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. ALL things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that HE shall take of mine and shall shew it unto you.”

The Holy Spirit will only glorify the “THE WORD OF GOD.” These are very profound words, yet they MUST be the basis that we as Born-Again believers live on. No other foundation can be laid, but that which is laid—which is Jesus Christ—I Cor.3:11. The Apostle Peter told us in I Peter 1:23 that we are Born-Again by the Word of God, and that it was and is incorruptible seed. We must remember that the Word became flesh—John 1:14, and we named the Word—Jesus.

By this we can now see and understand why so much emphasis is put on the Word, and why Jesus said that everything of TRUTH would be shown to us by the Holy Spirit and that we should “obey” all of HIS word. One other very important scripture that we must note is what was stated by Jesus in Matthew 15:3, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by YOUR TRADITIONS?” In verse 6 Jesus said that the traditions of men make the Word of God of NONE EFFECT!! Can you imagine our traditions making the Holy Word of God of none effect? What Jesus was saying is that when we as men make a tradition of something and TRY to make it “Spiritual,” then it will make the Word of God of none effect and end up being a Strange fire before our Father in Heaven. If we do anything at all for him, it should be recorded in the Word of God so we can have divine instruction from our Father on how to do it right.

Every time a Holy Feast or a Holy Day was ever observed by God’s people, HE ALWAYS gave instruction on HOW to do it. Notice how through our natural, carnal ways, we have taken HOLY DAY and made it HOLI-DAY. The Word of God was not given to man to have him do with it as he pleased, but to learn it and live it that we would be obedient to the one who saved us from a life of sin and darkness. It was not “In the beginning—man, but God!!

We have pretty much swallowed up the divine truth of God by observing OUR traditions and what we think pleases HIM, instead of obeying HIS truth and doing what HE says pleases Him. Have you ever wondered why we were never told the birth date of Jesus? Have you ever given thought as to why “Christmas” is NEVER mentioned in the Bible? Have you ever thought why the Early Church believers and spiritual fathers NEVER taught, NEVER observed and NEVER celebrated Jesus’ birth, but rather the resurrection?

We are about to journey into an area that for some will seem unbelievable, others may say, well we have always done it this way, so we will continue. Others may say, “My Lord, why have I never been taught this before?” ONLY FACT AND TRUTH SHALL YOU NOW SEE AND HEAR. May your spirit man be blessed!!

“BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR TRUTH”
As Born-Again believers we are commanded in the Word of God to live accordingly to HIS statutes, commandments and ordinances. We are called by Paul in Ephesians 5:6-11 (please read fully) to not be DECEIVED by the vain words of man, and that having once walked in darkness ourselves, we are now to manifest the light (The Word) and expose the unfruitful works of darkness.
Now please remember that Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-20 (please read fully) that a good tree can not bear bad fruit, and a bad tree can not bear good fruit. Now do you think that what he said he meant? Of course he did!! He also said in verse 15 that False Prophets would come in sheeps clothing, meaning they have an outward appearance of being good, but inside they are ravening wolves.

If you will read this slowly and meditate upon it, I believe you will see that Christmas is such. Outward it has all the appearance of being good, yet what lies inside is its root and its root is evil and this we shall now begin to see. Now, I ask you again to please remember only the WORD OF GOD in dealing with this issue. NOT your emotions!! NOT your feelings!! NOT what you think!! Remember the Holy Word of God!!

Again Paul said in Eph.5, do not be “DECEIVED” by the vain words of men. My friend, it is better for us to hearken to and obey the Word of God than to sacrifice—I Sam. 15:22. There will be many so called men of God, Pastors and Teachers that will condemn this teaching, yet they will only violate the Holy Word of God by doing so. Please take a stand on the factual truth of the Word of God. Who cares what men say. I would rather follow the Lord Jesus, than the multitudes of people with all their views and opinions.

Christianity says, “We can do it our way” but the Kingdom of God says, “We will do it HIS way.” A tree is known by its fruit Jesus said. A good tree can not bear bad, and a bad can not bear good. A tree is known by its ROOTS. Bad roots, bad tree; good roots, good tree. We are called trees of righteousness in the Bible, for now our roots are in the Word of God, thus our fruit becomes good fruit.

John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:10 (speaking of Jesus), “And now also the axe is laid unto the ROOT of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth NOT forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire”. Now this is being directed towards the men of religious teaching—the Pharisees and Sadducees in verse 7, of whom Jesus warned us (his disciples) to take heed to their doctrine or teaching—Matthew 16:1-13. These were also the men who said their Father was God in Heaven, yet Jesus said they were of their father the devil—John 8:40-44.

The point I desire to make as we go into this teaching is this. Please do not be swayed, persuaded or convinced something is true because of what the masses believe or what other men preach and teach and say, but be convinced something is true because its foundation is built OUT OF the Word of God.

Many of us do things today out of pure ignorance. But once we know the truth, we are called to follow after it. The Word of God is the axe!! If we are always being warned in the Bible to not be DECEIVED, then the only way is to lay the axe to the root of everything we hear and see. This way we are protected to come to know only that which is spoken of God. The root is always the place of origin and beginnings, including true or false doctrine.

We are commanded by God himself to go and PROVE ALL THINGS—I Thess.5:21. We are called by God, to TRY THE SPIRITS—I Jn.4:1-5. So let us begin to prove “CHRISTMAS.” If Christmas is not found in the Bible—the truth that frames the worlds—then where did it come from? Where did it originate? Is Christmas REALLY celebrating Jesus’ birthday? Did the orginal Apostles—our spiritual fathers and foundation in the faith and those who knew Jesus personally, EVER teach or celebrate HIS birthday? Was Jesus born on December 25th? If Christmas is the greatest of Christian Holidays, then why do so many heathens who damn him daily and take our Fathers name in vain, celebrate it?

Most people suppose a lot about Christmas being so true, yet have any ever searched it out to see where its roots lie? Let us now learn the truth. May you all be blessed with open heart and spirit. Our Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ and the precious Holy Spirit have absolutely NOTHING to do with Christmas. My question is this. Should We??

“ITS ORIGIN AND FOUNDATIONAL ROOTS”
By Brother Kim Gossett
Lead Elder, New Covenant Christian Center, Int’l
http://www.newcovenantchristiancenter.com/
If Christmas was NEVER found in the Bible, NEVER observed in the Bible and NEVER acknowledged, then where did it come from? Always remember this; if something is NOT found in the Holy Word of God, then it comes NOT from God.

In Rome, over 300 years AFTER the resurrection of our Lord, there was a yearly feast celebrated by the Romans who worshipped the god Saturn. This time of celebration was always situated around the December 17th–24th time frame so it would coincide with the ending of the winter solstice, a time for seasonal pagan worship.

THE PAGAN YEAR: This is always a period of days, months and times that revolve around the seasonal changes of the earth and are usually in the winter, spring, summer and fall. The WINTER SOLSTICE is a day or period of days in the winter when the days are shortest (light) and the nights longest (darkness prevails). This is usually a time in their festivities of drunkenness, revelry and debauchery (perversion), and I must say, that spirit is no different in the world we live today.

The Pagan Romans called this celebration “The Feast of Saturnalia,” in honor of their god Saturn. They celebrated the festival from the 17th to the 24th of December, usually exchanging “gifts” on the last two days from house to house. Then on the 25th of December, they began the new Celebration of “The birth of the unconquerable Sun,” as the days of light would now begin to lengthen and the sun would now begin to regain its dominance.

During this time, the ancient pagans believed that the sun would die during the winter solstice and then RISE AGAIN from death as the solstice ended by the revolving of the earth in nature. Does this begin to sound a little familiar to the “SON” who died and rose again? Thus, every year these people would have their celebrations to serve their gods, of which we as Born-Again believers now know, and weknow that Satan is the one behind them all.

When the Roman Catholic Church had now been born in Rome, they saw that during this time, there was no party or celebration for their Christian faith or their God. Since the 25th of December was the day when the gifts were given for thebeginning of the Sun-god to rise again, they chose to take this pagan ritual and worship the Son of God. Since the heathen had the 25th of December as the day of the sun-god birthday, the Roman Catholic Church chose to have their Son-God Birthday. When the church saw the festivalthe pagans had with their god, they now realized there was nothing for their own belief.

Instead of rebuking, correcting and taking a stand on holiness and righteousness, they “INCORPORATED” the pagan ideologies into their Christianity. All Satan did was disguise a church in the name of our Lord and open the floodgates of paganism and heathenism to pollute truth. How sad!! Do you think the Apostle Paul would have ever compromised like this? Hardly!! Just read the Book of Acts and see how he stood out and condemned pagan rituals. But then again, we must remember where the Catholic Church came from. Even Jesus said in Revelation 2:13 that there would be a church where Satan’s seat would be yet it would keep the name of Jesus and men would be martyred.

Just study history of the inquisition and see how many millions were killed at the hands of the Popes and Catholicism as heretics for taking a stand on the Word of God. Now to you men of God out there who stand before the children of God as faithful shepherds and Elders, this I ask. As a Born-Again, spirit-filled man of God, would you allow someone in your church to:

Pray the Rosary? I pray not—you would bring correction.
Would you allow someone to Pray to Mary? I pray not—you would bring correction.

Would you allow someone to Pray the dead OUT of Purgatory? I pray not—you would bring correction.

Would you allow someone to Pray to saints? I pray not—you would bring correction.

Would you allow someone to Pray to IDOLS? I pray not—you would bring correction.

Would you allow someone to lift up the Pope as the vicar of Christ in the earth? I pray not—you would bring correction.

WHY would you then allow someone to observe Christmas? It comes from the SAME church!! The SAME spirit!! The SAME roots as the Rosary, Mary worship, Purgatory, Idols. Why would you not allow all the others but EXPLAIN away Christmas? Think about it. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Do you fear men or God? Speak truth I pray, unto the saints and set them free. No more need be said on Catholicism at this time. Just know if you know the truth about that religion, you can now begin to see where Christmas came from and why it was NEVER in the Bible. Let us go on.

Now in competition with the pagan’s holiday and the heathen superstition, the Catholic church started having a “MASS” for “CHRIST,” which is now today’s CHRIST—MASS or Christmas. Now, if any of you reading this were raised Catholic, and you are now Born-Again, then you MUST know that there is a very great difference in your life now that you are saved by the blood and filled with the Spirit of truth!! After you become Born-Again, do you still worship the mass? Do you still pray to Mary? Do you still pray the rosary? Do you still pray to saints? Do you still believe in purgatory? Of course NOT!! You have been set free.

But now I ask this. Since Christmas is an origin of the Catholic church with all its pagan rituals incorporated, then why would we want to celebrate it? Remember the roots of the trees. Bad roots, bad tree. We have a very bad tree here, and think about it. What does every home have in it at Christmas time? A TREE!! If you will take the time to research the “Encyclopedia Britannica”, “Encyclopedia Americana”or the “World Book Encyclopedia”, you will see each and every one of them give the historical beginning of Christmas. Let us first read from the World Book Encyclopedia about this god Saturn, Saturnalia and the history of Christmas origins.

“SATURN was the youngest son of Uranus (heaven) and Gaea(earth) in Roman Mythology. The name probably comes from the Latin verb “serere” which means “to sow”. The Greeks called him Kronos (where we get time-chronology-from) and to the Romans, Saturn was the god of HARVEST. (Sound Familiar?) The festival called SATURNALIA was held in Rome every year from December 17th to the 23rd in his honor. During Saturnalia, the Golden Age was supposedly returned to the earth. The Greek word “chronos” means time. Kronos or Saturn is usually depicted as a bent old man with the scythe (sickle) in the one hand. In the other hand, he holds a serpent which bites its own tail. The story of Saturn’s swallowing his own children is a way of showing that time creates and then it destroys its creations. World Book Encyclopedia
This is quite powerful, is it not? Look at this spiritually through the eyes of truth. This god, represented to them a god of time and a god of harvest. Does not the Bible say that no man will know the TIME of the HARVEST? Does not the Bible say the reapers (Angels) will come and put in the sickle for harvest?–Mark 4:29 Notice how in one hand is the sickle, representing harvest and in the other hand a serpent, thus Satan actually believes he can harvest the world, in his time, and this is what the people were celebrating each year—the god Saturn. Also it says that Saturn would devour his own children. Just like those of the World will end up devoured in hell. Satan is a master of deception and Satan is the SPIRIT behind Christmas.

Do you honestly think we can put the name Jesus on this pagan wickedness and expect our Heavenly Father to be pleased? So much for our saying that Jesus is the reason for the season. What a lie this truly is. Satan is the reason for this season. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord and put this wickedness far away. We are not close to being done, so please keep your soul at peace and continue to read the rest of this teaching as we expose the unfruitful works of darkness.

“SATURNALIA”—was the name of an ancient Roman festival given in honor of Saturn, the Roman harvest god. (My emphasis here, but notice how close the name and sound of SATAN and SATURN). The festival began on Dec.17th and lasted for seven days. On the first day, public religious ceremonies honoring Saturn took place. On the second day, many families offered sacrifices of young pigs. The SATURNALIA festival was a gay occasion. Schools closed and all public business stopped. Courts of law closed their doors, and no criminals could be punished. Families held their banquets and even slaves were free to attend the festival. The last days of the festival were spent visiting and EXCHANGING presents. Some of the gifts were little clay images called “sigillaria”, which means small images (idols) World Book Encyclopedia
After reading this account, you can see, or least I should say you SHOULD see that everything that these pagan people did to worship their god of harvest, is identical to what people do today for Christmas—and of course—why not? This is where it all came from—Satan!! Notice how the exchanging of gifts to each other were the little graven images or idols. I pray you can see the picture coming together of this total blasphemy to the Kingdom of God. Let us go on now and see the history of Christmas and please remember—THE AXE IS TO BE LAID TO THE ROOT OFTHE TREE!!!!

“THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS”
By Brother Kim Gossett
Lead Elder, New Covenant Christian Center, Int’l
http://www.newcovenantchristiancenter.com/
Scholars do not know the exact date of Christ’s birth. For more than 300 years, people observed HIS birthday on various dates. In the yearA.D.354, Bishop Liberius of Rome “ORDERED” the people to celebrate on December 25th. He probably chose this date because the people of Rome already observed it as the Feast of Saturn, celebrating the birth of the sun. Christians honored Christ, instead of Saturn, as the light of the World.
For many years, people observed Christmas as a religious festival only. They gradually adopted more and more customs “UNRELATED” to the church. In England, during the Middle Ages, Christmas became the “merriest” day of the year. Celebrations eventually became so rowdy that the Puritans in England DID AWAY with the observance of Christmas by law in 1643. Colonists in New England copied the English laws known as the Blue Laws. But eventually, immigrants brought with them Christmas customs from many lands.

Christmas today affects most industries because of the millions of persons who buy products of all kinds as gifts. Manufacturers often begin planning the next year’s sales as soon as the holidays are over.

In most “department stores”, children can tell SANTA CLAUS what they want for Christmas. They wait in long lines to climb the sparkling “throne” where Santa sits in his red and white suit. The whole area looks like fairyland, with huge colorful displays of the latest toys. Merchants sell more of almost every kind of product during Christmas season than at any other time of year”. World Book Encyclopedia

How grievous and sad that the people of natural knowledge in the World know more about the truth of this holiday than those who profess to be children of God. How sad, in that we are to be the ones taking a stand on the Holy Scriptures. Yet we are just as blinded by the god of this world. Once again, let us look at a few things through the SPIRITUAL EYES. We will deal more in detail with Santa Claus later.

First we now know why the celebrating of Christmas was NEVER mentioned in the Bible. It has no root in the Holiness of the Kingdom of God. It may be an issue with Christianity, but that in itself today is a vast array of different organizations, denominations and doctrines of men. The Kingdom of God is orderly, perfect and has but ONE DOOR, ONE WAY, ONE TRUTH and ONE LIFE. We now at least know where the roots lie of this pagan ritual. And remember again, how can we as Born-Again believers take something from SATAN and dedicate it to our Lord Jesus Christ? It is strange fire!! These are NOT my views and opinions either. I am standing purely on the Word of God. The roots of this origin come right out of the World system of Babylon!!–Listen to this!

“Alas, alas, that great city BABYLON, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come. And the MERCHANTS of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no manbuyeth their merchandise any more” REVELATION 18:10-11
Will you continue to buy from the merchants of Babylon? Will you continue to say, no big deal, God has mercy? The early fathers of this nation, the Puritans who fled from Roman Catholic Doctrine, came from England and OUTLAWED this observance!! I think you can see why by now.
It has only been over the past 100 years now that this holiday has begun to be observed again in America. We have now only partially exposed the foundation of this order. When we get into all the things associated with Christmas, I pray you will be as appalled as I was when the Holy Spirit taught me the truth. If Christ—Mass came from a mass for Christ, then just that fact alone should cause alarm, for the Catholic Mass is one of demonic deprivation and truly blasphemes and transgresses the Blood at Calvary’s Cross. Can you honestly say you want to observe something whose foundation and origins and roots stem from blaspheming the Blood of Jesus Christ?

“TODAYS TRADITIONS”
By Brother Kim Gossett
Lead Elder, New Covenant Christian Center, Int’l
http://www.newcovenantchristiancenter.com/
When Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life”, He meant just that. There is NO TRUTH outside of the Word of God, and that is why we are admonished over and over again by the Lord himself and our Heavenly Father, to PROVE ALL THINGS—I Thess.5:21. In this way, we can assure ourselves of fact, truth and protection from deception.

Even in Acts 17:11, the brethren in Berea were called more noble (well born, higher in rank) than those at Thessalonica, for they received the Word of God spoken by Paul and Silas with all readiness of mind. Butwhat did they do to be commended by God this way? It says that they went and SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES to see if these things were so and THEN they believed. The word searched in the Greek means to literally SCRUTINIZE!! Should not we do the same today as “Disciples” of JesusChrist?

God wants us to try things spoken and witnessed, so that we can prove them by the one and only true test—DOES IT LINE UP WITH THE WORD OF GOD? Not our emotions!! Not our feelings!! Not what we think!! NOT WHAT MEN, MEN, MEN SAY!! Not what the multitudes believe or do!! But what saith the scriptures?!!! We already know that the Lord is not interested in our traditions when we try to apply them to spiritual matters.

Jesus again said in Matthew 15 that our “TRADITIONS” transgress the Word of God. Did you get that in your spirit? How sad, that we as professing Born-Again children of God, go and make the Word of God of none effect. They transgress the Word of God and make it of NONE EFFECT. How can this be? By not observing the Word of God and proving all things.

The sons of Aaron—Nadab and Abihu, were slain in the temple for offering up “STRANGE FIRE” before the Holy Lord God—Nu.3:4 & 26:61. Strange fire is offering something to God that HE has not asked for, does not receive, does not observe and truly becomes DEAD WORKS.

Any wonder why the very first, I repeat, the very FIRST Doctrine of Christ is Repentance from Dead Works? Learn the Oracles of God my brethren and then you will spiritually mature the Bible says and then you will see issues like this totally in the eyes of God. Please note (I Peter 4:10-11 and Hebrew 5:8–6:2 KJV).

Let us now observe some of our traditional thinking here. Man says it is the observance of the Lord’s Birthday.

Lie #1, for the scriptures (by which we are Born-Again and saved) clearly indicate no such thing. In December it is the winter season, rainy and cold and the shepherds do NOT keep their flocks out at night grazing in the winter—Luke 2:8. It was customary for the shepherds to herd their flocks and take them in after Mid-October and release them in early spring. Thus the Luke 2 account of the birth of Jesus could not have been in December. FACT— no man knows when Jesus was born.
Lie #2–there is NO RECORD in the Bible ever recorded, taught, or preached about people observing or worshipping Jesus because of his birth. Now please do not jump to soulish conclusions here. Listen carefully!! You say, but did not the Angels and Shepherd boys come and worship HIM? No, they did not. If you will read your Bible in Luke 2:13-20, you will see that when the Angels announced this to the shepherds—They (the Angels) glorified “GOD IN THE HIGHEST” in other words—the Heavenly Father, and when the Shepherds went to Bethlehem, they returned the Bible says, “GLORIFYING AND PRAISING GOD”, for what they had seen.
Never in the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus, did HE ever glorify himself. In fact, when the rich young ruler came asking him about salvation and saying, “Good master, what must I do to be saved”, Jesus first responded by saying, “why callest me good? There is one that is good—God.” This is found in Matthew 19:17.

Lie #3–But did not the three wise men come and worship Jesus in the manger? And did not the three wise men give gifts to HIM when he was born? FACT—There is not one record of there being three wise men! The Bible says in Matthew 2:1, there came wise men from the east. Verse 3 says that Herod and ALL Jerusalem were troubled and believe me my brethren, I do not think that three men on camels would turn one eye in Jerusalem, for the city of great size was daily filled with them. Wise men usually traveled in caravans of 40 or more in number and THIS would possibly cause a stir in the city, do you not think so?
The fact is that they brought three gifts—gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Gold for his “diety”, Frankincense for the sweet aroma of his brokenness and sacrifice and myrrh for the bitterness of his death). Thus man’s interjection again of changing the Bible says, there were three men.

Did they bring these gifts to the manger? You see the depiction in every Bible story, every city park, every church altar. Sad to say, we again do NOT know the truth!! The Bible clearly states and records in scripture in Matthew 2:7-16, that the wise men followed the star for two years and that is why the Bible says they presented the gifts to Jesus in HIS HOUSE as a young child. Jesus was two years old when the men finally arrived.

Lie #4–The wise men came to worship the child. FACT—the scriptures say that as “WISE MEN” they came to worship the KING of the Jews as stated in Matthew 2:2 and isn’t it interesting to note that in verse 8, Herod said that he wanted to worship “THE CHILD”. The Bible says that WISE MEN will worship the KING, but men will worship the child!!! This is why Satan has so deceived people in this area. Satan wants the eyes of people on a baby and our Father wants our eyes on the resurrected Lord and King of a Kingdom with power and authority!!
Have you ever asked yourself again this question? From Acts 2, Pentacost, when men were filled with the Spirit of truth and Born-Again, until the end of the Bible, you will never read anywhere recorded in the Epistles or letters to worship HIS birth, birthday or Christmas. It is NEVER recorded! ONLY to know HIM through the power of the resurrection as the King of a Kingdom!! So why do we do it?

For one, no one studies their Bibles. No one studies the Holy Word of God to see what is truth. They just take things that men teach them and grow up learning lies and false doctrine, then they crucify those like us who speak truth. Is not that what the Pharisees, the religious men who said their father was God in Heaven did? They crucified the Son of God all in the name of God. This is deception my brethren and we must open our eyes. People today just believe lie after lie.

Secondly, Satan wants the emotions of a people on a little innocent child, and not on the resurrected lamb of glory with power and authority—The KING OF KINGS.

Lie #5—(Please meditate on this one) Since there was no room in the Inn, they had to go and find a stable or manger with animals and straw and hay and a cradle to put Jesus in. FACT—there is once again no reference to this at all. First, this was Joseph’s home town. Do you not think that relatives lived there?
Secondly, Luke 2:6-20 states that, “And so it was, that, WHILE they were there in Bethlehem, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered”—Luke 2:6. Now listen carefully. Do you not think that Joseph and Mary knew she was with child and due soon? They did not just show up in Bethlehem, go to an Inn, find no room and go to a dirty, animal shelter, where there was “unclean straw” (if you know what I mean) and have a baby.

The Bible clearly states that they had been there awhile and when the time was accomplished, or fulfilled, she gave birth to her firstborn son, THEN she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and THEN she laid him in a manger, for there was no room for them in the Inn. Notice, NOT AT an Inn, but in the Inn The no room for them in the Inn, was why she laid him in a manger.

Now in the days of Jesus, when a family was poor, the manger was a PART of their house where the families lived and it was the lower part or portion of the house which would represent his humbleness or humility when born into this earth. This manger was usually adjacent to the living quarters of the family and they would keep their domesticated animals there. The manger or trough was usually hewn out of rock (Bakers Encyclopedia of the Bible—Vol.2 page 1392).

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn”—-Luke 2:7
Every year we have Christmas Plays, Pageants and productions in churches, which are called to be HOLY HOUSES OF GOD. We will fill the air with lies, deception and soulish emotions all fixated on something that has no truth in it. We have this fixed and clear picture in our minds of what “there was no room in the inn” may have meant. If we listen to the Greek text of Luke 2:7, we may see a different scenario for Jesus’ birth. After all, is not our whole source of truth to be THE BIBLE and not the leaven, doctrines, dogma and teachings of men? Are we not called to be students of the Word of God like those in Berea in Acts 17? Let us look to the Spirit of truth..

The word “inn” in Luke 2:7 [kataluma], is used again by Luke in 22:11: [7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 [11] And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? Luke 22:11 kataluma, Greek 2646, Strong’s kataluma, kat-al’-oo-mah; from Greek 2647 (kataluo); properly a dissolution (breaking up of a journey), i.e. (by implication) a lodging- place :- guestchamber, inn.

The INN (kataluma) is the same exact word as “guestchamber” in Luke 22:11. The very next verse describes this kataluma as “a large room upstairs.” [12] And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. [13] And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. Luke 22:12-13 Now please understand. The guestchamber was the upper room of a house for guests. At the time that the Lord Jesus was to be brought forth, this guestchamber, upstairs, was full, most likely with all of the family relatives. With NO ROOM IN THE INN, Mary had to go down to the “manger” in the lower part of the house and it was here that she put her child who was wrapped in swaddling clothes.

A manger usually hewn out of rock would truly be scripturally based, for our Lord Jesus is the ROCK of our salvation and we are to build our HOUSE on the ROCK for this is where he was laid!! Oh my, Lord bless us with your wisdom.

Knowing that Joseph was returning to his home town of Bethlehem to be counted with his family in the Roman census–Luke 2:1-2, it had to have been Joseph’s intention to stay with his family. Since many out-of-town family members would have been arriving at the same time, the guest room [kataluma], upstairs on the roof of the house, was already full. Mary and Joseph found space in the area that comprised the first floor of the house—the manger. Here it was usually warm and would have been comfortable for the birthing. And even though used for domesticated animals and shelter, it would have been clean.

My friends, our Father in Heaven is an orderly and decent Father. If Mary had to wait until AFTER her purification to bring Jesus into the temple to present him to the Father—Luke 2:22, then what makes you think that HE would allow her to give birth in an unclean, dirty, filthy, straw dunged stable? Our Father does NOT break order!! Once again, our modern day “Manger Scene” with animals, hay and straw, three wise men, Joseph, Mary, shepherds and a star over a stable all come from St. Francis of Assisi—A Catholic Monk. Let us all again give thanks to the Catholic church for allowing this lie to enter in.

Perhaps “no room in the inn” was not really a rejection of Jesus Christ but a gracious accommodation in the best circumstances the family could provide. How interesting, also, that in Luke’s gospel, while there was “no room in the kataluma” for Jesus on his first night on earth, that is exactly where he spent his last night on earth with his disciples before going to Gethsemane to shed blood for our sin and then to Calvary to shed blood for our sins. He came into the earth lowly and humbled and finished his work high and exalted!! Hallelujah!!

The birthing of a baby was done in all cleanness when possible, and to take a newborn baby and lay him in straw or hay would be extremely dangerous, for the cut straw or hay could get into the face, eyes or body and it was very sharp. Today’s depiction is this: An animal stall, hay or straw, animals, Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus in a straw laden crib, Three wise men bowing down and giving gifts with a star hanging over. The truth? NONE OF IT. Amazing isn’t it? Can you believe what we depict and believe as truth because of what men say?

Did not Jesus warn his disciples in Matthew 16 about the leaven or teachings of men and the Pharisees? Now can you see why we are called to PROVE ALL THINGS? Believe me, if my baby was being born, there would be no animals or soiled straw present. Well, now that HE is born, we do not know the date, and we have shown you the manger scene and all surrounding untruths. Is your foundation of Christmas beginning to sound confusing? It is because truth is setting you free (prayerfully) and on a straight course. Sometimes our souls do not like being weaned from the doctrines of men, especially when we have believed something for so long.

The question now is what will you men of God do about this? Still set up the pageantry of lies? At least the truth is being spoken and we can now rejoice. As we get into the next area, please do not be offended, for the truth will be spoken and there are just some things WE MUST deal with in the speaking of truth. Let us now begin to look at ALL the particulars of our Season called Christmas.

First, remember where its roots are. In Paganism and all the things they did. We will now see what the pagans worshipped and why. We will also see how that by allowing their rituals into the church belief, the deplorable and wicked spirits came with them. We will see just how much we have been deceived by not knowing truth, but Praise the Lord we are learning. I pray you will come to know that Jesus IS NOT the reason for this season—Satan is! And that is truth!!

“THE CHRISTMAS TREE”
By Brother Kim Gossett
Lead Elder, New Covenant Christian Center, Int’l
http://www.newcovenantchristiancenter.com/
Have you ever just sat down and wondered why a tree set up in our house would have anything to do with Jesus, His birth, or His life? Why would we decorate a “TREE” with all its fancy balls and lights and ornaments and put it in our house for the sake of Jesus?? Why would we bow before it to lay down gifts? Let us now take a closer look and see just where this “tradition” came from.
Since the earliest of times, trees, especially green evergreens, were worshipped by the pagans. To them it represented life and freshness. Since it was EVER green, it always had life. The trees were worshipped as symbols of life, fertility, sexual potency and reproduction.

These pagan rituals of worship were then brought into the homes and set up as idols, with the belief that it would give men a heightened potency of sexual virility to procreate new life for their harvest god in the new year. The evergreen tree represented a “PHALLIC” symbol (the mans sexual organ of reproduction) set in an upright position.. Any wonder why people hang round balls on a tree? Please do not be offended. This pagan ritual was to say the least, very profane in the sight of God!

There are many scriptures that the Lord has warned us about in dealing with idols and those things the HEATHEN do, of which we are commanded to NEVER do or imitate. We are told by God to never bring into our homes those things that are practiced by the wickedness of the world. It is truly amazing at how much “Christianity” has embraced from the trenches of the world system. This is why it is time to again preach the Kingdom of God with all holiness and obedience. Please read the following scripture and know that God knew even in the days of Jeremiah the practices and ways of the heathen. For even then, Satan was the god of this world. Listen to what the scriptures say as we have been warned in Jeremiah 10:1-5 about this:

“Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, o house of Israel. Thus saith the Lord, learn not the ways of the heathen and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They deck it with silver and with gold: they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are “upright” as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
Please meditate upon what you just read. Learn NOT the ways of the HEATHEN which go into a forest and cut down a tree and then nail it so it stands upright. Just what do men do today with Christmas Trees? Would you not say this is more than coincidence? Then when the trees are brought to the lots, they are NAILED and HAMMERED to stand UPRIGHT!! And the blasphemy of it all is that they—The Christmas Trees—are nailed to a wooden cross on the lots where they are sold!! A wooden cross!! My Lord people, open your eyes and see!! They were then brought into homes and decked out with silver and gold. Sound like tinsel and ornaments? So much for Christmas trees being for Jesus. This was hundreds of years BEFORE Jesus was even born. LEARN NOT the ways of the heathen.

Everything, and I mean everything about Christmas has come to us by learning the ways of the Heathen. Sounds to me like millions and millions of so called Christians have done just that!! Some men and preachers today say this has absolutely NOTHING to do with Christmas trees in Jeremiah 10. I would say, they need healing for being so BLIND! That is spiritually blind. Then again, did not Jesus say the blind would lead the blind and they would go into the ditch?

What an abomination to the Lord. Even in the days of Jeremiah the pagans were doing this. Satan knows exactly what he is doing and sad to say, so many Christians have no idea. After these trees were brought into the houses, worshipped and set upright, then gifts are now brought before them and what must YOU do when setting a gift under the tree? You must bow down before it to lay your gift. How sad and how ignorant we have been. Thank God for opening our eyes to truth. This is no laughing matter. Paul said to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. I would pray this brings the fear of God into your lives and in repentance we ask God to forgive us for our ignorance and then Praise HIM for showing us truth.

Some would say, “But Brother, you do not understand. You are being legalistic. We do not worship the tree, for we know better as Born-Again Christians.

“The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire; thou SHALL Not desire the silver or the gold that is on them, NOR TAKE IT UNTO THEE, lest thou be snared therein, for it is an ABOMINATION to the Lord thy God. Neither shall thou bring an abomination INTO THINE HOUSE, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shall UTTERLY DETEST, and thou shall UTTERLY ABHOR it, for it is a cursed thing”—Deut.7:25-26
We are told in Deuteronomy 12:30-31, that we better TAKE HEED that we be not snared by following after the heathen and that we should not inquire after their gods and how they serve them. Nor should we do likewise unto our God by giving unto HIM, what they give unto their god!!

“TAKE HEED to thyself that thou inquire NOT after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? Even so will I do likewise. THOU SHALL NOT do so unto the Lord thy God!! For every abomination to the Lord which HE hateth, have they done unto their gods. Verse 32, “What thing soever I COMMAND you, observe to do it!! Thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it. Deuteronomy 12:30-31
As we finish, I would ask you again. Can we even think what a Christmas Tree with all its decorations and symbolism has to do with our Holy Lord Jesus coming to save humanity from sin? We now know where this thing has come from, and prayerfully for some of you, where it is going!!

THE YULE LOG: Ever read a card or hear “YULETIDE GREETINGS” at this time of season? Let us check this out also since it also has to do with Christmas. The Yule log tradition dates back to Scandinavian countries where their pagan sex and fertility god was called Jul, or Yule. He was honored in a twelve day celebration in the month of December. Interesting—12 days—when Israel had 12 tribes and Jesus had 12 Apostles.

Friends, do not be deceived or ignorant concerning spirituals—I Cor.12:1. Satan despises everything about our Heavenly Father, HIS son and the Kingdom. Satan will do anything to pervert and blaspheme the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why all these things happen in the world, for Satan is the god of this world. Jesus said HIS Kingdom was NOT of this world—John 18:36 and for this cause, WE should NOT be of Christmas for it is come out of the world. I Jn.2:15, “Love not the world NOR the things of the world”.

When this season began, a Yule Log was lit and put into the “fire place” (hell?) where the same log was used for all 12 days to keep the fire lit or to re-light it. Since Jul was the pagan god of sex and fertility, it does not take much to see what this also represented. You got it! The lit Yule Log represents again a “phallic” symbol, and being a log and lit, it represented a good omen for heightened sexuality for the coming year. It was the shadow and type of a burning lust of a man to fuel the fires of sexual potency to reproduce fertility. When one sends “YULETIDE GREETINGS”, they are basically saying, “I greet you with this flaming log to fulfill a year of sexual virility.

How sick, blasphemous and perverted. So much for your Christmas season being holy and of Jesus!! There is NO WAY your Father in Heaven is glorified by your observance of this perversion. Explain it away. Do what you desire. Jesus is Lord and truth.

“There is a way that seemeth right unto man and the end thereof is death”—Prov.16:25
MISTLETOE: Just catch a girl under the sprig of mistletoe, and she must kiss you. Where in the name of Jesus Christ does this have to do with HIS holiness? And again, mistletoe, yule logs, Christmas trees are all a part of this season. Mistletoe was sacred to the druid priests and was worshipped by them to cast spells. If held over the head of a woman, she was powerless to resist, and any and all could have their way with her sexually. This is where our tradition of hanging it over a doorway to catch the unsuspecting girl comes in.

If the mistletoe had berries on it, then it was to make the sprig more potent and worth more, for the berries would represent the virginity of the woman that could be taken away and broken. Mistletoe, is also a living parasite and it eats into a tree to survive. Lust is also a living parasite which eats into us as trees of righteousness if we do not crucify our flesh daily. Mistletoe oil was used to anoint the foreheads of Druid Priests for service.

So far, we have shown you how every aspect of what it observed at Christmas time comes from the bowels of the earth. It is all sexually oriented, perverted, pagan and lascivious and we want to say “Jesus is the reason for the season”? How terribly sad!

HOLLY & IVY: Again, what in Jesus name does this have to do with HIM? The custom of hanging Holly and Ivy was to pay homage to the spirits that would bring life and fertility into the home. The red berries on the holly was for mans sexuality, the ivy for a woman around him. The green leaves represented the mans potency and the berries the life. In combination with the female ivy, it promised new life and fertility to the entire household for the year to come.

Now we are going to get into an area that must be seen as NOT being coincidental. If you can not have your eyes opened yet to see, I would pray that this will show you the incredible depth of the true “SPIRIT” that is behind Christmas.

SANTA CLAUS: This is probably the most innocent, jolly, little old man of the season. There he is all dressed up in his red clad suit, white collars, white beard and full of HO, HO, HO. I believe the Holy Spirit would be saying, WOE, WOE, WOE.

He is depicted as being truly supernatural, can cover the whole earth in one night, is attended by little elves, comes into your homes to bring gifts to the good and lives in the North Pole. He is depicted as omniscient and omnipresent. He is to know all and watches all. Innocent enough for you?

Let us now expose the most blasphemous creature of them all, for behind this mask lies SATAN himself. The depth of this one character alone is beyond belief, yet we will now see the real SPIRIT behind CHRISTMAS. Two figures were combined to create this being called Santa Claus.

First, we have Saint Nicholas, a fourth century Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church who was a patron saint to sailors, pawnbrokers and children. Secondly, we have a Christmas spirit of a mischievous, medieval figure who encouraged merrymaking, dancing and drunkenness. But let us look even deeper. What you are about to see and hear is NOT COINCIDENCE OR CHANCE. It is too perfect for that. It is well conceived, planned and disguised and unknowing to the natural eye. Let us first look at the name of SANTA CLAUS:

SANTA—with just the changing and moving of one letter, you will have SATAN! That is right—Satan, the devil. Just move the “N” to the end and S A N T A becomes S A T A N…Is that unbelievable or what? Is this by chance or coincidence? Not after seeing everything you have read so far on “Christmas”. And what does Santa travel in? A sleigh (slay) and where does he come into the house? DOWN a very dark and sooty place called a chimney, right into the FIRE!!!

CLAUS—in this name, by using the same letters, you have LUCAS concealed. Now Lucas is the root word for LUCIFER!! Now, in just this creatures name, and that is exactly what he is, you have SANTA CLAUS—SATAN—LUCIFER. Do you honestly want to try to explain this away?

Satan is the adversary of the Kingdom of God, and Lucifer’s name meant “Lightbringer”. Paul warned us to be NOT deceived, for Satan himself is transformed into an ANGEL of LIGHT. In Isaiah 14:12-17, we have the written account of the fall of Lucifer from Heaven. In his rebellion against the authority of God, he rebelled to the WORD OF GOD. Do you not think that this is his aim today? For he knows that rebellion to the Word of God is the act of eternal damnation, and this is why my beloved brethren, Christmas is SO DISGUISED.

You cannot drink the cup of devils and the cup of the Lord—I Cor.10:21. The cup of devils is SATURNALIA—CHRISTMAS, the cup of the Lord is HIS WORD!! In Isaiah 14, Lucifer said he would exalt HIS THRONE above that of God, and upon what does Santa Claus sit on in the malls and department stores? You got it, A THRONE!! Lucifer said, I will ascend and sit upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the NORTH. Where does Santa Claus come from? The NORTH Pole.

In Moses’ Tabernacle, the shadow and type of the church in the wilderness—Acts 7:38, it was the TABLE OF SHEWBREAD, our place of holiest communion with the Lord, and this table was set in the far NORTH position of the Tabernacle. This position belongs to Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, the Holy Lamb of God and SATAN wants that position of authority!!

In the Scandinavian countries, Santa Claus is called “KRIS KRINGLE” which by interpretation means—”SON OF GOD”. Come on saints!! How blasphemous can this get? How many of you are still going to put up with this onslaught of defamation to the Holy Character of our Lord Jesus Christ by explaining away why you still want to observe this filth.

Every year, SATAN has his place of being glorified as the Son of God in the spirit world, and by the way, the Scandinavian countries are the farthest NORTH in the World!! And you want your children’s pictures taken with this spirit? We should detest this with all our heart and condemn the very nature of this holiday.

God help us for our ignorance and even more so now if people should still choose to honor this. To the carnal mind, this all means nothing. To the spiritual mind, this is an abomination. Let us awake unto righteousness.

As we finish on this very deceptive “spirit”, we can see just how cunning and subtle Satan is. Genesis 3:1 says, “The serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field, and in II Cor.11:3, Paul said, “But this one thing I fear, that as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, he will also corrupt your minds from the simplicity that is in Christ”.

Everything that Satan does is against the very authority of God and everything he does is blasphemous to the Holy Word of God. Satan’s whole purpose is to trodden under foot the Holy blood of the Lamb. One last thing about Santa Claus, is his colors!! And please, do not say we do not believe in Santa Claus, so it is okay to observe this. You are missing the whole point if that is your mentality.

The colors: Red and White. Isaiah 1:18-19 “Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord: though your sins be SCARLET, they shall be as WHITE as snow; though they be RED like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: verse 20, but if you refuse and rebel ye shall be devoured by the sword”

What is it going to take to get people to understand the incredible deception and blasphemy that lies behind all this? What is it going to take for men of God to take a stand and teach the people truth? Remember what we are talking about here—THE “SPIRIT” behind Christmas! This is the true spirit behind Christmas and there is no way that any of us can take the roots of this demonic, ungodly, perverted, filthy order and change it to something clean, pure and holy.

There is no way we can explain away this wickedness and what a shame to put the name of Jesus Christ on it. We are called to EXPOSE the unfruitful works of darkness, not partake of them—Eph.5:1-10 and only when true Born-Again believers start to take a stand on obedience will we be able to get the world to take notice. Stop trying to cover this up and explain it away. Stop saying people like me and others are Pharisaic or legalistic. Since when is obedience to Holiness, legalistic? Please explain, I am open to hear.

Those who read this must now make a decision. Are you built spiritually upon that which men say?–Mt.16:1-13 Or are you going to build your spiritual life off of the TRUTH?

How sad that this December, churches will have Christmas trees on what is suppose to be a Holy Altar unto a Holy God. How sad there will be manger scenes and pageantry plays all depicting lies and false teachings. If fifteen men of God with the largest ministries in America said, “It is okay and all right people to keep honoring this holiday. There is no harm in it and do not let men like Kim C.Gossett rob you of your loving traditions, for we know who WE worship”. Then I would have to say—

“Then the Lord said unto me, the prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.”—Jeremiah 14:14
Brethren, Christmas is a false vision and it is full of divination. Can you imagine all of this? Santa Claus—SATAN / LUCIFER. His rebellion to the sides of the north—Isaiah.14 and he comes from the North Pole. His colors of red and white blaspheme the Word of God and the redemptive role of Jesus.

Remember I Cor.2:14, “For the natural (carnal) man will not understand the things that be of God, for to him is will be foolishness, nor he can not discern them, for they are SPIRITUALLY discerned”. You will NEVER find one truth in ALL of Christmas except one—It has absolutely nothing to do with the Father, the Son or the Holy Spirit. No matter what you say or do, you will NEVER be able to change that. It is strange fire unto God!!

Do NOT let men intimidate you if you change. Many say what they say only in ignorance. That is why the truth is being spoken, and my prayer is that men of God who say they are called to ministry would truly represent Jesus Christ and share with the congregations this truth. I would be more than blessed to come to any church and minister this truth. I pray that men of God would be the ones who are to represent Jesus Christ and stand before the saints and say,

“My beloved, I have heard a truth today and as for me and my house and my family, we will never again partake of this heathen, pagan, deceptive holiday again.”

 

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT JUDGING OTHERS ?

A while back, someone left a message in my guestbook. This person wrote that they hated people like me. They said I was ignorant and no better than the Nazis. They said that one day I would be judged by God for the things I had posted on my website.

Now, I’m not sure what exactly got that person’s panties all in a bunch. Maybe it was the paper I wrote showing what the Bible says about alcohol and drugs. Maybe it was my article showing what the bible says about homosexuality and lesbianism. Or it might have been the information contained in my article, “Hell is real,” which speaks on what the Bible says about hell. Whatever the case, this person who left the guestbook message was basically accusing me of judging others, and then they were condemning me for doing so.

And this was not the first time that I had received an angry comment or response from a reader. I’ve heard from many such people. Just recently another lady was highly upset over my articles regarding abortion. Here is a little quote from her e-mail: “Well every single one of us sin and it is judging when you take it upon yourself to call you brothers and sisters in Christ wrong. Too many people think they have a right to worry about someone else’s dark cloud when they have their own storm…There’s and old saying you can attract more bees with honey then vinegar.” This woman also wrote that abortion [which, of course, is murder] is between God and the parent, and that it is not for others to judge whether or not it is a sin. She said that my speaking out against those who are pro abortion is playing the part of God and is judgmental and hateful.

Now, my question is this: why is it that when you show people God’s laws and commands regarding sin, somebody inevitably wants to call you hateful? And it doesn’t matter how many bible verses you use to back up what you are saying regarding God’s Word on lying, stealing, fornicating, killing, rebelliousness, idolatry, or any other sinful behavior, someone is still sure to accuse you of being judgmental.

And after these people called me judgmental and told me that I had no right to speak out against sin, they gave me some advice. They advised me that such harsh talk will “Turn people away from becoming Christian” and then they suggested “Why don’t you just tell people about God’s love.”
So, basically, people seem to believe that a Christian can never speak out against sin (because that would be “judging,”) and that I should only tell people how much Jesus loves them.

Well, after experiencing this reaction from folks time and time again, I am lead to believe that either (A) these people themselves do not read their bibles or (B) people are being brainwashed by wolves in sheep’s clothing (false preachers) into believing that Christians are never to warn a person about sin and its consequences. Well, by the end of this paper I hope that you, Reader, will see that it is our Christian duty to make judgments and to speak out against all sin!

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First of all, there are at least 665 verses in the bible that have to do with judgment, judging, judges, Judgement Day. So obviously judging people and pronouncing judgment are important topics to God. I believe that the error has come regarding how and when judging others is appropriate because instead of reading the whole bible, people stop at one verse and then take that verse out of context. What verse am I talking about? “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1 and Luke 6:37). Many people, even folks who have never read one page of a bible or stepped foot inside a church, seem to have this one verse memorized. And they will loudly proclaim it to you if you even think about speaking out against sin. Well, let’s look at this verse in its entirety and see what it says in total.

Matthew 7:1-5, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold a beam is in thine own eye. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”

“Judge not” here does not mean we are not to judge ever. That verse clearly explained that before we try to tell someone else about himself or herself, we had better first cast out the beam out of our own eye. God is trying to get us to understand that our own walk had better be straight before we go around telling other folks what His laws and commands are. Otherwise, we would just be foolish hypocrites. It says, “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and THEN shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” God obviously wants us to cast out our brother’s mote, and He even tells us when we can do it: after our own eyes are beam-free!

For example, if I want to share with my bible study group what the bible says against adulterous relationships, I had better make sure that I am living according to God’s Word and not committing adultery or living licentiously myself, because people are looking at my life, i.e., judging me and my walk also. I can’t go around trying to get the mote out of someone else’s eye (judging them) if I have a big old beam poking out of my own eye. But if I have repented of my sins and am striving to live in obedience to God’s Word, then God can and will use me to warn others of sin and its consequences. God wants us to be like Jonah, who was told to “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.” (Jonah 1:2) God wants us to be like John the Baptist and the disciples, who warned people against sin and told the masses that they must repent. God wants you and me to speak up!

I think that people forget that the word “judging” has many definitions. By judging in the above instances, we are, again, looking at the facts (the evidence or fruit of one’s life) and then sharing the gospel with people accordingly. We are rebuking, reproving, and warning. You would agree, would you not, that to rebuke someone, I must make a “judgment call.” To warn, rebuke, or reprove someone of the consequences of some action they are performing, I would have had to look at the evidence (their actions) and come to a conclusion or a judgment (comparing what they’ve done against God’s Word) and then share the gospel accordingly! It is not against God’s will for us to do this, yet people take the above-shown verse out of context and say that we are never to judge anyone.

To further illustrate this point, here is yet another example for you: This type of judging is similar to if a police officer saw you driving on the freeway at 85 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone. The police officer turns on his siren, catches up with you, and then pulls you over. You are warned by the officer or cited for your excessive speed. He tells you what the law is and that you have broken the law. Now, would you get angry and say, “Officer, you are judging me! You have no right.” Of course you wouldn’t. If anything, when faced with the law and your transgression of it, your mouth should be shut! And, hopefully, you will be willing to see the danger of your actions, admit your fault, and turn from your speeding ways. Ultimately, the officer is an agent of a higher authority and is just doing his job, and similarly we Christians are agents to a Higher Authority, God Himself, and are to warn people of sin and its consequences, share with them the laws of God and their transgression of those laws, and then expound on who Jesus is and His great sacrifice.

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Now, “judging” here does NOT mean that I have any authority to condemn and mete out final sentence to those who have broken God’s laws, anymore than that police officer would have the right to lock someone up into a homemade jail that he made in his basement (more on that later in the lesson). But God’s Word is clear that I must use the bible to show people their transgression of the law, per chance that they might repent! Here are some verses that show this very thing:

2 Timothy 4:1-5, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

Ezekiel 3:18, 33:8, “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

1 Corinthians 4:14, “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.”

Luke 24:47, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Colossians 1:28, “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:”

Acts 26:20, “But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”

Proverbs 24:24-25, “He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him; but to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.”

Ezekiel 22:2, “Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt show her all her abominations.”

Reader, we are supposed to warn people of their wicked ways to save their lives!!! God’s Word makes this plain. And God can use anyone to do this work, even an ex-murderer like Paul or Moses. But make sure that the beam is removed from your own eye so that you are ready and capable to be used by the Lord. And it’s great to tell people about mercy and faith, but first you must also tell them about the law and judgment (Matthew 23:23).

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There always has been and there always will be those who excuse and justify their sins. These people are often the ones who scream the loudest, “You’re judging me,” but that is only because every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved (John 3:20). Perhaps you yourself have been pulled over by an officer of the law and were mad at him for ruining your day and giving you a ticket, even though you were guilty! But just because people do not like to hear the truth, it does not mean that we should be derelict in our duty as Christians to tell them the whole counsel of God. The bible even tells us that we will run into those who will fight against judgment:

Proverbs 28:5, “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.”

Amos 5:10, “They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.”

But, again, just because people don’t like to hear the truth when confronted with God’s law and may want to call you judgmental, this does not mean that you should be afraid or ashamed to show people God’s commands and the error of their ways. The bible tells us that God’s law is good, as long as we use it lawfully: 1 Timothy 1:8-11 reads, “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”

A person will truly be on the path of salvation if they will stop pretending to be righteous (those who make excuses and justify their wrongdoings) and instead will admit that they have broken God’s law. But if you, Fellow Christian, are too scared or unwilling to show them these things, who will? If you are trying to “attract more bees with honey,” i.e., not sharing the whole counsel of God, how can someone ever truly recognize the depth of their sin or appreciate the wonder of God’s shed blood and mercy?

Friends, if and when there is no judgment and people are afraid to call wrongdoing sin, anarchy will reign. Evil will fester and grow. We are living in a time similar to the time of Isaiah 59:14-15 where it was said, “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.”

I hope that you will turn judgment forward again, pick the truth back up, and not be afraid to proclaim the Lord’s WHOLE Word!

So in conclusion, as we have seen, yes, I am to judge. But I am to judge rightly! And if I am shamelessly and unrepentantly sinning yet trying to “judge” those who are committing my same sins, I am truly only condemning myself by my words. So make sure the beam is removed from your own eye so that you are ready and capable to be used by the Lord.

(There is MUCH more to say on the topic of Judging. I hope that you will read all of these lessons on this subject.)

 

THE STRANGER

Subject: The Stranger

A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later.

As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family. Mom taught me to love the Word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it. But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries, and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spellbound for hours each evening.

He was like a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, Bill, and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies, and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars.

The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn’t seem to mind, but sometimes Mom would quietly get up – while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places – go to her room, read her Bible, and pray. I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave.

You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this stranger never felt an obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house-not from us, from our friends, or adults. Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four-letter words that burned my ears and made Dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted.

My Dad was a teetotaler who didn’t permit alcohol in his home, not even for cooking. But the stranger felt like we needed exposure and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often. He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I know now that my early concepts of the man/woman relationship were influenced by the stranger.

As I look back, I believe it was because of the grace of God that the stranger did not influence us more. Time after time he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave.

More than thirty years have passed since the stranger moved in with the young family on Morningside Drive. But if I were to walk into my parents’ den today, you would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name? We always just called himTV.

By Judy Boyne

Psalm 101:3 “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.”

 

MERCY REVEALED

Something happened to me today that I wanted to share with you. This morning I was on my way to work, running a little late. I usually take this route through the Angeles Forest area. There are not too many cars on this road, and it is a very scenic drive.

Anyway, I’m tooling along, kind of in a hurry. At one point I’m driving 70 miles per hour, although the speed limit is 55. Well, just on the other side of this incline is a highway patrolman. He is sitting in his car, waiting for speeders. Of course when I saw him, I braked a bit, but I knew it was too late. Next thing I know, the officer’s car is behind me with his red lights a flashing. I’m being pulled over.

So I pull over, feeling stupid. I know the speed limit. I don’t want my insurance rate to go up. Yet here I am, dead to rights. About to get a ticket. As a matter of fact, I deserved to get a ticket.

Well, the officer comes to my passenger side window. I roll the window down. He says to me, “Do you know why I pulled you over?”

I said, “Yes, I know. I was speeding. I was going at least 70. I should know better. I think the speed limit here is what? 50? 55?” And while I’m saying this, I’m handing him my license and registration.

The officer looked at me, and he said, “You know what? I’m not going to give you a ticket. We give people tickets to teach them a lesson. You are the first honest person I’ve encountered in a long time who admitted that they were wrong. You have admitted that you broke the law.”

Now, here comes the really special part. I have a bumper sticker on my back window that says, “Jesus — don’t leave earth without Him.” The officer says to me, “I read your back window sticker. I know that you know about God and God’s law. I can tell that you understand that when a law is broken, there is a price that must be paid. There is no need for me to punish you. I can tell by your words that you understand.” Something about this officer made me know that he was not just being nice, but that he was truly a Christian man.

Well, when I realized that he was not going to give me a ticket, I told him thank you. Then I said to him, “I’ve given up my other bad driving habits. I need to repent of my desire to sometimes speed.” It was then that he said one more thing that spoke to my heart in a really deep way. The officer said to me, “You don’t have to make any promises to me. You know what you need to do. Just do it.”

As I drove away from that merciful highway patrolman, I thought a lot about the Lord. I could see so many similarities in what had just happened to me and what happens between God and man. I thought of how God is willing to bestow His mercy to those who will admit that they are sinners and turn from their wicked ways. And I thought of how God must feel when people run, hide, make excuses, and do everything but confess, “Yes, Lord, I have broken Your laws.” I thought of how Jesus, the only One who is without sin, died on the cross for the sins that I am guilty of. I thought of how lame it is to say to God, “I’m sorry” today, and then keep on committing those same sins tomorrow.

And I was reminded of these two verses: Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” And Isaiah 55:7, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” My mind was just reeling with thoughts, many more than I can share in this short story.

Anyway, you’d better believe that I will be driving a lot slower from now on. And I thank God for sending me a Christian highway patrol officer who bestowed upon me mercy of another sort and, in so doing, made me appreciate God’s mercy and Jesus’ sacrifice all the more. You truly never know whom God will use to make His presence felt!

By: Rena

 

A COVENANT WITH DEATH

A man once made a covenant with Death. The covenant was that Death should not come on him unawares, that Death was to give warning of his approach.

Years rolled on, and at last Death stood before his victim. The old man blanched and faltered out, “Why, Death, you have not been true to your promise, you have not kept your covenant. You promised not to come unannounced. You never gave me any warning.”

“Not so!” came Death’s answer. “Every one of those gray hairs is a warning; every one of your lost teeth is a warning; your eyes growing dim is a warning; your natural power and vigor abated, that is a warning. Aha! I’ve warned you. I’ve warned you continually.”

And Death would not delay, but swept his victim into eternity.

(Author Unknown)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reader, do you realize that you, too, are going to die? Maybe not this minute, maybe not tomorrow, but ultimately you will die. Psalm 89:48 asks the question, “What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?” The answer is that we all shall see death, and that none of us can deliver our soul from the hand of the grave.

So instead of trying to pretend that death will not happen to you, instead of ignoring the inevitable, prepare for it. Isaiah 55:6-7 says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

If you repent and come to the Lord, He can save you from the terrors of death and hell. But you must not delay. Tomorrow may be too late. 2 Corinthians 6:2 warns, “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Do not make the mistake of thinking you have all of the time in the world. A decision delayed is a decision of rejecting Christ.

Instead of being scared of death, you, too, can say, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). But first you must realize that you are a sinner who deserves hell, turn from your sin, and ask Christ to be your Lord and Savior.

As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me (Psalm 55:16).

(Click here to see a track that illustrates the danger of procrastination).

 

NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY

People nowadays are rejecting the one and only true living God of the Bible and instead are mixing many different beliefs to form their own personal “spirituality.” This new age spirituality says that God is everything and that everything and everyone is God. This new age spirituality claims that death and sin are just an illusion, that you create your own heaven or hell. This new age spirituality claims that reincarnation occurs until a person reaches oneness with God. And this new age spirituality claims that Jesus Christ was just a man, someone to be looked at as a teacher, someone who became an “ascended master,” and that Jesus is not needed as our Savior because we all have the potential to become like God.

But the Bible tells us something very different about who God is, who Jesus Christ is, who the Holy Spirit is, and what is mankind’s relationship to God. Let’s search the Scriptures to see just how dangerous it is when one begins to believe that they are equal to God. Here are some of the topics that will be covered:

(1) ARE YOU GOD, TOO?AM I GOD?

(2) IS THE NEW AGE PHILOSOPHY REALLY “NEW”?

(3) GOD’S TRUTH EXCHANGED FOR A LIE

(4) WHY IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT SO POPULAR?

(5) IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN CLAIM TO BE GOD?

I originally wrote these pages to give to a person I know who has become interested in the new age movement. Interestingly enough, after reading this, the person has become very standoffish towards me. All I can say is “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16)

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(1) ARE YOU GOD, TOO? AM I GOD?

When you first read some of the new age literature, it sounds pretty harmless. You read of love and oneness and peace and truth. It all sounds very positive. You may even see some Bible verses referenced — verses such as “the Spirit of God dwells in you” or “God loves you, you have been chosen.” But the new age literature then takes it a step further. The new age belief system teaches that since God created you and the Spirit of God lives in you, then you, too, must be God. This is where the new age spirituality has now twisted God’s Word and has entered into a dangerous, rebellious position against the only true and living God. Let’s see what the Bible has to say about who God is and whether or not we can ever be His equal.

Isaiah 42:8, “I am the Lord; that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”

Isaiah 45:5, “I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God besides me.”

Isaiah 44:6, 8, “Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.”

Isaiah 43:10, “…I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and beside me there is no savior.”

Isaiah 45:18, “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: ‘I am the Lord, and there is none else.'”

God’s Word is very clear that there is one God and that He does not intend to share His glory with his creation, period! But now we have this “new age” teaching that says, “You, too, are God.” But as we will see, this type of mindset isn’t really so new after all.

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(2) IS THE NEW AGE PHILOSOPHY REALLY “NEW”?

Wanting to be equal to God, is nothing new. Let’s read of the first created being who desired to be as God. His words are in Isaiah 14:14. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.”

Who said these words? Lucifer, Satan, the devil himself. As a matter of fact, Satan later even filled Adam and Eve’s heads with the same foolish notions. He lied to them and told them to go against God’s instructions. Satan said, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof (forbidden fruit), then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods..” (Genesis 3:5).

Whenever you hear someone whisper to you, “you can be like God,” they are repeating the words of the devil himself! They are giving you evil counsel that will lead you to a place of ultimate destruction.

Let’s see how God felt when Lucifer wished to become equal to Him. Ezekiel 28:2, 6-9 reads, “…Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas’; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God, behold, therefore, I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas. Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, ‘I am God?’ but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.”

Satan will fall and be cast into the lowest depths of hell because of his desire to be as God and because of his rebellion against God, and the same fate awaits all others who choose to elevate themselves to equal standing with God. Let’s read additional verses that describe what awaits Lucifer because of his wanting to be as God. Isaiah 14:15-17, (Speaking of Satan) “Thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, ‘Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; that made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?'”

Hell was created for satan and all of the angels who joined satan in rebellion against God. People of this day who desire to model satan’s wish to become as God have the same fate awaiting them (hell) if they don’t realize who the one true and living God is and turn from their sins and accept God’s gift of grace.

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(3) GOD’S TRUTH EXCHANGED FOR A LIE

We all have the true knowledge of who God is written on our hearts, but new age spiritualists choose to exchange the truth of God for a lie. Romans 1:18-20, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

People, including new agers, know in their hearts who God is and that they themselves are not God, but they choose to become vain and worship themselves as God. The rest of Romans speaks on this:

Romans 1:21-23, “because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man…”

When you begin to think that you are the same as your Creator, it is similar to a vase created by hand out of potter’s clay turning around and saying to the potter, “I am you.” That clay will never become that man who formed it, and you will never become God. Romans 9:20 speaks on this: “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, “Why hast thou made me thus?’ Hath not the potter power over the clay?”

The Bible clearly shows that we are not God, and no matter how good we think we are or how much kind work we do or how enlightened we become, we will never attain equality with God. Romans 3:23 reads, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” And Isaiah 64:6 reads, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags.” And 1 John 1:8 tells us, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” So if God’s Word is telling you that you fall short of God’s glory and that your righteousness is as filthy rags, and some sinful man is telling you that you, too, have God potential, who are you going to believe?

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(4) WHY IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT SO POPULAR?

People are attracted to new age teachings and beliefs because the idea of being God-like is much more attractive than the knowledge that you are a sinner who deserves hell. But what are you going to say when you die and come face to face with the one true righteous God? When God shows you how you’ve broken every commandment and how you rejected Jesus Christ as your Savior, will you tell Him then that you qualify for heaven because you, too, are God? Hebrews 9:27 tells us, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” And Romans 14:10b, 12, reads,”…we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ…so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” If you do not today open your eyes and see that you are not god-like and that instead you are a sinner in need of a Savior, you will face the sad truth later when it is too late for you.

God made a way for us to be able to stand before Him on judgment day innocent, a way for us to be adopted into His family now and forever. No, you cannot be God, but you can be a child of God. But it is nothing that we can do in and of ourselves. It was something done for us long ago at Calvary. Romans 5:8-9 reads, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

Don’t let the new age way of thinking deceive you into rejecting God’s gift of salvation. People who practice new age principles have nothing in common with God. Someone who disobeys God’s Words found in the Bible is someone who doesn’t even have fellowship with God. John 8:47 tells us, “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” New agers reject Christ, deny the existence of heaven and hell, distort the truths of the Bible, and are in rebellion to God.

You only have two choices: You are either for God or against Him. If you reject God and the sacrifice God made for you by having Christ die at Calvary for your sins and instead choose some man-made spirituality, then you will die in your sins and eternally be separated from God. John 8:42-44 reads, “Jesus said unto them, ‘If God were your Father, ye would love me; for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do…”

New age spirituality in all of its different forms and names is really just man’s attempt to get away from the one true and living God. We are given many warnings against such teachings. Jeremiah 23:16-17 reads, “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you; they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.”

And Colossians 2:8-10 warns, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him (Christ) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; and ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”

These verses are warning you not to fill your mind and heart with useless words from sinful man. New agers promise happiness and fulfillment in a man-made lie. God’s Word tells us, “But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”

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(5) IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN CLAIM TO BE GOD?

In conclusion, there was only one man who ever walked the earth who could claim to be God: Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:16 reads, “God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.”

And John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” And John 1:14, “And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

And in Hebrews 1:8-9, God calls Jesus God. “But unto the Son he saith, ‘Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

Jesus was not just an enlightened master or teacher, and Jesus did not claim to be teaching mankind the truth; He claimed that He was the Truth. In John 14:6, Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” What Jesus taught is important, but what is more important is who Jesus is. Jesus is God, and He is our only way to approach God. 1 Timothy 2:5 tells us, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all…”

Again, what are you going to choose? New age spirituality or Jesus Christ as your Savior?

 

WHAT ABOUT ABSTINENCE ?

I was holding a notice from my 13-year-old son’s school announcing a meeting to preview the new course in sexuality. Parents could examine the curriculum and take part in an actual lesson presented exactly as it would be given to the students.

When I arrived at the school, I was surprised to discover only about a dozen parents there. As we waited for the presentation, I thumbed through page after page of instructions in the prevention of pregnancy or disease. I found abstinence mentioned only in passing.

When the teacher arrived with the school nurse, she asked if there were any questions. I asked why abstinence did not play a noticeable part in the educational material.

What happened next was shocking. There was a great deal of laughter, and someone suggested that if I thought abstinence had any merit, I should go back to burying my head in the sand. The teacher and the nurse said nothing as I drowned in a sea of embarrassment. My mind had gone blank, and I could think of nothing to say. The teacher explained to me that the job of the school was to teach “facts,” and the home was responsible for moral training.

I sat in silence for the next 20 minutes as the sexuality course was explained. The other parents seemed to give their unqualified support to the materials.

At the break time, the teacher announced that there were donuts in the back of the room and requested that everyone put on a name tag and mingle with each other. Everyone moved to the back of the room. As I watched them affixing their name tags and shaking hands, I sat deep in thought. I was ashamed that I had not been able to convince them to include a serious discussion of abstinence in the educational materials.
I uttered a silent prayer for guidance.

My thoughts were interrupted by the teacher’s hand on my shoulder. “Won’t you join the others, Mr. Layton?” The nurse smiled sweetly at me. “The donuts are good.”

“Thank you, no,” I replied.

“Well, then, how about a name tag? I’m sure the others would like to meet you.”

“Somehow I doubt that,” I replied.

“Won’t you please join them?” she coaxed.

Then I heard a still, small voice whisper, “Don’t go.” The message in my head was unmistakable: “Don’t go!”

“I’ll just wait here,” I said.

When the class was called back to order, the teacher looked around the long table and thanked everyone for putting on name tags. She ignored me. Then she said, “Now we’re going to give you the same lesson we’ll
be giving your children. Everyone please peel off your name tags and look at the back of the tag.” I watched in silence as the tags came off.

“Now then, I drew a tiny flower on the back of one of the tags. Who has it, please?” the teacher asked.

The gentleman across from me held it up. “Here it is!”

“All right,” she said. “The flower represents disease. Do you recall with whom you shook hands?” He pointed to a couple of people. “Very good,” she replied. “The handshake in this case represents intimacy. So the two people you had contact with now have the disease.” There was laughter and joking among the parents.

The teacher continued, “And whom did the two of you shake hands with?” The point was well taken, and she explained how this lesson would show students how quickly disease is spread. She concluded by saying, “Since we all shook hands, we all have the disease.”

It was then that I heard the still, small voice again. “Speak now,” it said, “but be humble.” I wryly noted the latter admonition, then rose
from my chair. I apologized for any upset I might have caused earlier, congratulated the teacher on an excellent lesson that would impress the youth, and concluded by saying I had only one small point I wished to make. “Not all of us were infected with the disease,” I said. “One of us … abstained.”

— Author Unknown

1 Corinthians 6:13b, 18 “Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”

 

HELL IS REAL

“I don’t believe in hell.” “Hell is not real.” And then there is the ever popular “I believe that hell is right here on earth.” How many of you have heard people make one of these comments concerning the validity of hell? Well, I have heard people make these statements or comments similar to these on more than one occasion, and I just wanted to show everyone once and for all that hell is real!

In this paper I will use the Bible to try to open the eyes of those who are fooling themselves into believing that hell is not real. And speaking of the Bible, did you know that in the Bible, there is verse after verse talking about hell? There are about 50 verses containing the word “hell” and referring to hell as a place. There are over 17 verses that speak of a literal “lake of fire” or “eternal fire,” which is hell. There are at least 10 verses that touch upon some of the suffering that will go on in hell, referring to “weeping” “gnashing of teeth,” “eternal punishment.” There are verses that speak of the separation that one will experience in hell, referring to “outer darkness.” In total, there are about 162 verses in the New Testament alone which speak of this final eternal place of torment for those who die in their sins. As a matter of fact, Jesus Christ himself made many references to hell!

So, first of all, if you do not believe in hell, you obviously do not read your Bible, and, secondly, in denying the existence of hell, you are calling Jesus a liar.

Now, you don’t have to take my word for it. I will show you verses so that you can see them for yourself. Here are some topics I will cover as we go:

(1) The Bible’s description of hell and why I know that hell is not here on earth

(2) Why did God create hell?

(3) Who will end up in hell?

(4) What are some of the things Jesus said about hell?

(5) What is the only way to avoid hell?

And I will warn you ahead of time that this lesson on hell is kind of long. But I felt that this important topic deserved to be covered thoroughly. So go grab something cool and refreshing to drink, get comfortable, and let’s get started…

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(1) THE BIBLE’S DESCRIPTION OF HELL

Hell is described in the Bible as a place of great despair, sorrow, and agony. Read the following verses, and you will see what I mean.

Matthew 8:11-12, “Many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven: but the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 13:41-42, “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 13:49-50, “So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

Yes, hell is truly a place of torment. And those in hell will face not only physical torment, but mental anguish as well. For, you see, those in hell will be fully aware of the fact that they could have gone to heaven if only they had not chose to reject Christ. Luke 13:28, “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” In hell people will learn the true meaning of regret.

“BUT THE WORLD IS SO BAD NOW, I FEEL THAT HELL IS RIGHT HERE ON EARTH”

To those who say, “hell is right here on earth,” you haven’t seen the half of it. Think about it. No matter how bad things seem here on earth, your life here will some day end. You will live what? 80 years? 90 years? Then theoretically your death would put an end to this earthly so-called hell. Here on earth you have an escape from all sickness or evil. Death is your escape.

But the real hell which awaits those who reject the Lord IS NEVER OVER. That is how I know that hell is not here on earth, because where hell is concerned, there is no escape! Mark 9:44 says that hell is “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” And Matthew 25:46 tells us, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” And in Revelation 14:11 we read, “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night…” Friend, a heart attack cannot end the true hell. A bullet to the head will not end hell. Nothing will put an end to the torment of hell.

Your worst experience here on earth pales in comparison to the place called hell that Jesus spoke of. Therefore, comparing the evil that is happening on earth to hell is like comparing a slight sunburn to being set on fire — a fire that cannot be quenched. There is no comparison!

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(2) WHY DID GOD CREATE HELL?

Now you might be thinking, “Why would God create and send people to a place as terrible as hell?” First, you have to realize that hell was not even originally created for people. Hell was created for Satan and the angels that followed Satan. Matthew 25:41, “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Second, you should know that God does not send anyone to hell. God does not want any person to go to hell. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Hell was never intended for man. But if a person rejects Jesus Christ, thereby rejecting heaven, then that person must accompany Satan forever. God gives us a choice, either eternal life with Him or eternal suffering with the devil. You would think that it would be an easy choice for people to make, but, unfortunately, many people reject Jesus Christ and God’s offer of heaven.

And God will not force heaven or Jesus on anyone. There will not be one person in heaven who did not want to be there. So if a person chooses to reject Christ, that person has chosen hell for himself or herself. God did not send them there.

Sadly, there are going to be a whole lot of people in hell, even so-called nice people. So many in fact that hell had to be enlarged! Isaiah 5:14, “Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure.”

God died on the cross for your sins to make a way for you to get to heaven. If you reject His free gift, there is no one to blame but yourself. It has been said that the door of hell is locked from the inside.

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(3) WHO WILL END UP IN HELL?

There are a lot of so-called good people who are going to find themselves in hell, and there are a lot of people that this world would label as bad who are going to make it to heaven. Why is that? Because the only truly “good” thing that you can do that counts towards your salvation is to repent and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. And the only unpardonable “evil” thing that you can do is to never accept Christ as your Savior. When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, your name is written in the Book of Life. If you die and your name isn’t written in the Book of life, Revelation 20:15 warns “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

2 Thessalonians 1:8b-9 also shows us that those who die without believing in Christ will go to hell: “Them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.”

So in general, anyone who dies without repenting of their sin and asking Christ to be their Savior and Lord will end up in hell.

Now, here are some more verses detailing those who will end up in hell. (Keep in mind that there is no sin too big that Jesus’ blood cannot cover it. But if you insist on rejecting Christ and you die in your sins, these verses show you the fate that awaits you):

Revelation 21:8, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Psalms 9:17, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

Revelation 14:11, “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

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(4) WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT HELL?

Jesus made it clear that hell is real and that you should do everything possible to avoid going there. Here are just a few of the things He said concerning hell:

Luke 12:4-5, “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Matthew 5:29-30, “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”

Matthew 10:28, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Jesus wanted us to know that the people or things of this world are not to be feared, that there are worst things than whatever this world throws your way. Christ wanted you to be concerned about what would happen to you eternally after you died.

And Jesus illustrated in a very dramatic way that you should do whatever you have to do to keep yourself from hell. It is better to give up something (or someone) now than to hold on to those things (or people) and suffer eternal loss in hell later.

And I don’t know about you, but since Jesus said that hell is real, I’m going to believe Him and heed His warning.

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(5) WHAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID HELL?

Many years ago the question was asked:, “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Matthew 23:33)

The only way to not end up in hell is to repent and ask Christ to be your Savior and Lord. Only Jesus can save you. Revelation 1:18 says this of Jesus: “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Again, Jesus is the only way!

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In conclusion, yes, hell is real, but if you are a follower of Christ, you have nothing to fear. Christ died on the cross at Calvary so that you could be with Him in heaven.

If you are not a true born-again follower of Christ, you do need to be concerned about hell. But living in denial will not help you. “Positive thinking” or saying that hell does not exist will not save you from hell.

I am reminded of an old joke, “What did the Jehovah’s Witness and the Scientologist say to each other when they died and found themselves in hell? The Jehovah’s Witness said, ‘Hey, the elders told me that this place didn’t exist.’ And the Scientologist said, ‘It’s not really hot, and I’m not really here.'” Sadly, the end result for these people is no joke. There is nothing funny about hell.

God knew that people would try to pretend that hell doesn’t exist. The Bible even speaks of all of those people, groups or individuals, who are living in sinful denial regarding hell. In Isaiah 28:15, it reads, “Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves.”

Yes, there are many who have made lies their refuge. But, friend, lying to yourself or being in denial might give you a certain sense of comfort for now. But if you die without repenting of your sin and accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior, all of the denial in the world won’t stop you from being in utter torment for eternity in that place that you tried to “wish” away. Hell is real, and there are going to be a lot of real people really suffering there.

Don’t you want to by able to say these same words that David said: “For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell” (Psalms 86:13)? Well, then you’d better make sure your soul has been delivered by Jesus Christ before it is too late!

“For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:2-3).

(More reference verses: Isaiah 14:9, 15, Ezekiel 32:27, Numbers 16:30-33, Jude 1:7, Matthew 18:8, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 25:30, Matthew 24:51, Mark 3:29, Mark 9:43, Luke 16:23-27, 2 Peter 2:4, 2 Corinthians 5:10)

 

THE BABY AND THE OLD MAN

THE LESSON

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, “Hi there.” He pounded his fat baby hands on the highchair tray. His eyes were wide with excitement and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin. He wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man with a tattered rag of a coat; dirty, greasy and worn. His pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard, and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. “Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,” the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks, “What do we do?” Erik continued to laugh and answer, “Hi, hi there.” Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.

Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, “Do ya know patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo.”

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who, in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. “Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,” I prayed.

As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby’s “pick-me-up” position.

Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man’s. Suddenly, a very old, smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik, in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man’s ragged shoulder. The man’s eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor — gently, so gently, cradled my baby’s bottom and stroked his back.

No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms for a moment, and then his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, “You take care of this baby.” Somehow I managed, “I will,” from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest–unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, “God bless you, ma’am, you’ve given me my Christmas gift.”

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, “My God, my God, forgive me.”

I had just witnessed Christ’s love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking — “Are you willing to share your son for a moment?” — when He shared His for all eternity.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, “To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children.”

By Theresa Hunt

Matthew 22:39 “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

 

A PRAYER FOR HEALING

At the dawning of this new day
let it begin with you,
our Saviour and redeemer.
In our weakness
be our strength.
In our stumbling
be our guide.
In our brokenness
be our healing.
In our darkness
be our light,
at the dawning of this
and every new day.

At the closing of this new day,
let it end with you,
our life and our Salvation.
In our anxiety
be our peace.
In our doubting
be our truth.
In our pain
be our comfort.
In our restlessness
be our sleep,
at the closing of this
and every new day.

 

THE CHOICE

walked over to the pulpit, and gave a very brief introduction of his childhood friend.

With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit to speak, “A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast,” he began, “when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright, and the three were swept into the ocean.”

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.

He continued, “Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life…. to which boy would he throw the other end of the line? He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his son’s friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, ‘I love you, son!’ he threw the line to his son’s friend. By the time he pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beyond the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered.”

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting straighter in the pew, waiting for the next words to come out of the old man’s mouth.

“The father,” he continued, “knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could not bear the thought of his son’s friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us.”

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man’s side. “That was a nice story,” politely started one of the boys, “but I don’t think it was very realistic for a father to give up his son’s life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian.”

“Well, you’ve got a point there,” the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face, and he once again looked up at the boys and said, “It sure isn’t very realistic, is it? But I’m standing here today to tell you that THAT story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me.

You see….I was the son’s friend.”

(Author Unknown)

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlast

 

MESSAGE FOR MY CHILD

 

GOD IS UNDER THE BED

My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that’s what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped outside his closed door to listen. “Are you there, God?” he said. “Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed.” I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room.

Kevin’s unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he’s 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year- old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas, and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, returning to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme are laundry days, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.

He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day’s laundry chores.

And Saturdays – oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That’s the day my dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. “That one’s goin’ to Chi-car-go!” Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

I don’t think Kevin knows anything exists outside his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn’t know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth or power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. He recognizes no differences in people, treating each person as an equal and a friend. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.

His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere.

And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an “educated” person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then that I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap, I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances they all become disabilities when I do not submit them to Christ.

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn. After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of the Lord. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I’ll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won’t be surprised at all.

“Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. Lord, show them a new revelation of your love and power.

“Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their Spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence in your ability to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask you to give them understanding, patience, and strength as they learn submission to your leading.

“Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask you to renew them by revealing your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with you. Where there is fear, reveal your love, and release to them your courage. Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break its hold over my friend’s life. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support, and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the ignorance and error of thought around them, and reveal to them the power they have in you to bring light to these places. For all of this and more, we are so grateful. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.”

— Author Unknown

Matthew 18:2-4 “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

 

THE NEW APARTMENT

From Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive
The New Apartment
By Jennifer Quasha

He who fears something gives it power over him.
~Moorish Proverb

The realtor opened the door to the apartment. The floor-to-ceiling window in front of me revealed New York’s Queensboro Bridge. Drawn to the view, I looked at the magnificent steel structure and then down seventeen stories to the bridge’s snarled on and off ramps. All was quiet where I stood despite what I knew was a cacophony below. Yellow cabs, city buses, cars, livery trucks, and vans all jockeyed to be in front. As usual, the busy gears of the city were turning below, but the atmosphere within the apartment was calm. I turned from the window to find my mother’s eyes. Hers were on mine already. I smiled, and she smiled back.

It was February and my mom and I were looking at rental apartments together. The previous July, I had been living in another apartment in Manhattan where a man walked through my unlocked door and raped me. The attack that took forty-five minutes left me bruised and sore on the outside, eviscerated inside. After the attack I fled the city to my mother’s house in suburban Connecticut and landed, at age twenty-three, back in my childhood bedroom. The rape made the local news and the company where I worked generously offered me as much time off as I needed. In those first few weeks a team of family and friends, including my divorced parents and stepparents, scooped me up and did what needed doing on my behalf. Most important was starting my recovery. Together we interviewed psychologists, knowing that I would need long-term psychological support. Another day, we talked to rape counselors about how to deal with this type of crime. Despite good emergency room care in the ER after the attack, my parents set up an appointment for me to meet a doctor specializing in AIDS treatment since there was a fear I had contracted the disease. And, as much as was possible, we spent time together in places where I felt safe.

We also spent hours working with the police. Three separate policemen and two detectives interviewed me over the course of two days. I had some memories from the attack, but others were buried deep in shock. I flipped through books of mug shots and stared at hundreds of faces of convicted felons. Despite the hollowness of my soul and the shock that took away my emotion, I wanted the rapist caught, indicted, and imprisoned. Somehow I had the strength — either stored up within me or on loan from someone else.

On day two of working with the police I learned that the crime of rape is about power. The sex is secondary. A rapist’s weapon is a body part rather than a gun or knife. When my attacker came from behind me, covered my nose and mouth, and did not let me breathe or move, he took control. I was powerless. I didn’t fight back. I was crushed by fear. I have no way of knowing how the assault would have turned out if I had fought back. I learned later that he had been released from prison only twelve days before he attacked me. Had I fought back, would I be alive today? I don’t know.

Using fingerprints found at the crime scene, two days after the attack the police raided the rapist’s last known address — his mother’s home. After his mother opened her front door, the police found him in bed with another woman. “What have you got me for?” he asked the arresting officer. After his capture I picked him out of a line-up and gave testimony at a grand jury. He was indicted and put in prison.

One of the books I read in the weeks following the assault told me that a crucial step in a victim’s recovery is both the feeling of safety and regaining a sense of control and power. As the shock wore off and my emotions returned, I realized just how much this man had taken from me. He had rendered me a lifeless bag of skin and bones. Every so often my brain allowed a glimpse of the person I had once been not that long ago. I had been a young woman working hard in her first job out of college. One who easily rode a subway full of strangers to work, ate at the corner falafel stand with co-workers, and went to the Strand to buy used books. I was a woman who loved to travel by herself and play competitive sports, to hang out with friends, and laugh. Those memories made me yearn for “before” — despite finding myself deposited in a life-long “after.” Many days I didn’t think I would — or could — ever recover. Whoever that woman was before, she was gone.

After about a month I decided to go back to work for a few hours a day in an attempt to not only keep my job, but also to regain some of the cadence of the real world. After a few weeks, I could spend more than a few hours there. It was a relief to deal with clients who didn’t see me as “the woman who was raped.” Slowly things changed. One day when someone told a joke I laughed instead of not being able to feel humor. Another day when a friend called to check in on me, I picked up to phone not out of duty, but in a desire to connect. After weeks of feeling no desire for food, I heard my stomach’s cries. These small victories came rarely amid the raging internal storm, but they were there. These tiny moments began to build day after day until without me even knowing it, a life was beginning again.

Slowly I realized that my recovery could only be engineered by me. My support system was still there, but only I could do the rebuilding. And it was hell. Moments of every day I was crippled with fear, depression, misery, and despair. Then, just as suddenly, I would see a flower and think that if I were dead, I would never see a flower like that again. My mind became an emotional battleground. A vivid, heart-stopping flashback would leave me in a fetal position on the floor, fighting feelings of helplessness and doom. But then I would remind myself what the books said: flashbacks were part of posttraumatic stress disorder. They would fade with time. Once my heartbeat became regular and I could breathe normally, I stood up and I found myself back on my feet.

Months passed, and with tri-weekly therapy sessions, love from family and friends, and the passage of time, I healed. I morphed from victim to survivor on the backs of others and an internal strength that I didn’t know I had. The time came when I was ready to leave home again. For me, moving forward meant returning to the life I had chosen before the attack. Other options, like moving to another city or finding a roommate so that I didn’t have to live alone, were actions based in fear. Fear was my attacker’s legacy, and I decided that I would not live the rest of my life like that. I was going to do my best to pick up where I left off.

This apartment felt different. The last one was small and dark, and had the charm of a pre-war building. This one was modern. It had light wood floors, white walls, track lighting, and huge windows. I knew I could — and would — spend hours looking out at the beautiful bridge and the life buzzing around it. Still standing at the window, I saw yet another line of cars waiting at the stoplight. Suddenly the light turned green, and in seconds the cars were moving forward. Soon I knew I would be too.

 

THE RISING SUN

 

DEATH – YOU CANT AVOID IT

An old legend tells of a merchant in Baghdad who one day sent his servant to the market. Before very long, the servant came back, white and trembling, and in great agitation said to his master, “Down in the market place I was jostled by a woman in the crowd, and when I turned around, I saw it was Death that jostled me. She looked at me and made a threatening gesture. Master, please lend me your horse, for I must hasten away to avoid her. I will ride to Samarra and there I will hide, and Death will not find me.” The merchant lent him his horse, and the servant galloped away in great haste.

Later, the merchant went down to the market place and saw Death standing in the crowd. He went over to her and asked, “Why did you make a threatening gesture at my servant?”

“That was not a threatening gesture,” Death said. “I was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I have an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.”

Hebrews 9:27, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

 

A HEALTHY HEART ……

You may be reading this tonight, worried about some health problem. Maybe you are overweight, or your blood pressure is too high, or the doctor is warning you that you are a likely candidate for a heart attack. Well, as serious as those matters might be, God is leading me to share with you now an important question… a question that could be the very root cause of your physical illness. Ask yourself tonight, “How’s my heart?” I’m referring not to your physical heart, but your spiritual one…the one that determines how you respond to the world around you. If this heart is ailing, then often other problems, such as high blood pressure, lack of energy, etc. Manifest themselves. Here is God’s prescription for a healthy heart: “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NIV). Let that Word speak to your spirit tonight. Take your mind off your physical problems as you start to sleep tonight, and instead prayerfully ask God to give you the healthy heart mentioned in Colossians 3:12. You will have sweet dreams tonight, and a much healthier day…tomorrow.

AGAPE LOVE DIVINE MINISTRIES

Come Discover Love Beyond Reason

All Copyrights 2007-2011 © Reserved By AGAPE LOVE DIVINE MINISTRIES

 

COME AS YOU ARE

COME AS YOU ARE. NO JACKET REQUIRED

I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn’t be the right place. After all, I couldn’t possibly be welcome here. I had been given an invitation several times, by several different people, and I had finally decided to see what this place was all about. But, this just couldn’t be the right place.

Quickly, I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my hand. I scanned past the words, “Come as you are. No jacket required” and found the location. Yes, I was at the right place. I peered through the window again and saw a room of people whose faces seemed to glow with joy. All were neatly dressed, adorned in fine garments and appeared strangely clean as they dined at this exquisite restaurant.

Ashamed, I looked down at my own tattered and torn clothing, covered in stains. I was dirty, in fact, filthy. A foul smell seemed to consume me and I couldn’t shake the grime that clung to my body. As I turned around to leave, the words from the invitation seemed to leap out at me…”Come as you are. No jacket required.”

I decided to give it a shot. Mustering up every bit of courage I could find, I opened the door to this restaurant and walked up to a man standing behind a podium. “Your name, sir?” he asked me with a smile.

“Jimmy D. Brown,” I mumbled without looking up. I thrust my hands deep into my pockets, hoping to conceal their stains.

He didn’t seem to notice the filth that I was covered in and he continued, “Very good, sir. A table is reserved in your name. Would you like to be seated?”

I couldn’t believe what I heard! A grin broke out on my face and I said, “Yes, of course!”

He led me to a table and, sure enough, there was a placard with my name written on it in a deep, dark red. As I browsed over a menu, I saw many delightful items listed. There were things like, “peace,” “joy,” “blessings,” “confidence,” “assurance,” “hope,” “love,” “faith,” and “mercy.” I realized that this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu back to the front in order to see where I was at…”God’s Grace,” was the name of this place.

The man returned and said, “I recommend the ‘Special of the Day’. With it you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu.”

You’ve got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You mean, I can have ALL of this! “What is the ‘Special of the Day’?” I asked with excitement ringing in my voice.

“Salvation,” was his reply.

“I’ll take it,” I practically cried out.

Then, as quickly as I made that statement, the joy left my body. A sick painful ache jerked through my stomach and tears filled my eyes. Between my sobs I said… “Mister, look at me. I’m dirty and nasty. I am unclean and unworthy of such things. I’d love to have all of this, but, but, I just can’t afford it.”

Undaunted, the man smiled again. “Sir, your check has already been taken care of by that Gentleman over there,” he said as he pointed to the front of the room. “His name is Jesus.”

Turning, I saw a man whose very presence seemed to light the room. He was almost too much to look at. I found myself walking towards Him and in a shaking voice I whispered, “Sir, I’ll wash the dishes or sweep the floors or take out the trash. I’ll do anything I can do to repay You for all this.”

He opened His arms and said with a smile, “Son, all of this is yours if you just come unto me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to allow you to feast at my table and you will eat. Remember, the table is reserved in your name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you.”

Astonished, I fell at his feet and said, “Please, Jesus. Please clean up my life. Please change me and sit me at your table and give me this new life.”

Immediately, I heard the words, “It is finished.” I looked down and white robes adorned my squeaky clean body. Something strange and wonderful had happened. I felt new, like a weight had been lifted and I found myself seated at His table. “The ‘Special of the Day’ has been served,” the Lord said to me.

“Salvation is yours.”

We sat and talked for a great while and I so enjoyed the time that I spent with Him. He told me, me of all people, that He would like for me to come back as often as I liked for another helping from God’s Grace. He made it clear that He wanted me to spend as much time with Him as possible.

As it drew near time for me to go back outside into the “real world,” He whispered to me softly, “And Lo, I am with you always.” And then, He said something to me that I will never forget. He said… “My child, do you see these empty tables throughout this room?”

“Yes, Lord. I see them. What do they mean?” I replied.

“These are reserved tables…but the individuals whose names are on each placard have not accepted their invitation to dine. Would you be so kind as to hand out these invitations to those who have not joined us as yet?” Jesus asked.

“Of course,” I said with excitement as I picked up the invitations.

“Go ye therefore into all nations,” He said as I turned to leave.

I walked into God’s Grace dirty and hungry. Stained in sin. My righteousness as filthy rags. And Jesus cleaned me up. I walked out a brand new man…robed in white, His righteousness. And so, I’ll keep my promise to my Lord. I’ll go. I’ll spread the Word. I’ll share the Gospel… I’ll hand out the invitations. And I’ll start with you.

Have you been to God’s Grace? There’s a table reserved in your name, and here’s your invitation… “Come as you are. No jacket required.”

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2: 8-9

— Author Unknown

 

GIVE …..

 

THE INHERITANCE

There was a woman named Jane. One day Jane found out that she had been given a great inheritance. But Jane was not exactly happy when she learned of this. Jane had plans for her life, and she was uncomfortable over what this sudden reward would mean to her. It did not matter that the inheritance was something that was priceless, unique, one of a kind. No, instead of being happy about the inheritance, Jane was troubled. You could even say that Jane was annoyed. Jane did not want her life disrupted by this sudden turn of events.

So instead of welcoming and embracing this wonderful inheritance, Jane looked for a way to get rid of it. Jane reasoned that if only she could destroy the inheritance, then she could get back to her carefully planned out life.

Now, there were hundreds of thousands of people in the world who would have given anything for such an inheritance — people whose very dreams were made up of the chance to one day experience the reward that had been given to Jane. But to Jane the great inheritance held no interest and no value whatsoever.

Interestingly, Jane was also very selfish about her inheritance. Although she did not want the inheritance, she did not want anyone else to have it either. After all, it was hers to do what she wanted to do with it, or so she thought. No, Jane would rather destroy the inheritance, forget that she had ever even received it, and then just get back to her normal life. For, you see, Jane was a busy woman. She had places to go and things to accomplish, and nothing was going to rearrange the fabulous plans that she had for herself.

So Jane hired a man to help her get rid of her inheritance. Together they destroyed any evidence that this reward had ever been given to her. They tore the inheritance into as many tiny pieces as they could and threw it into the garbage can.

Now, you might be wondering what kind of story is this. Who would want to get rid of something priceless, something that is sought after by hundreds of thousands of people? You might be thinking that Jane must have been crazy or something.

But you know what? Many of us are just like Jane. At one time or another many of us were given something priceless, something one of a kind. We were given an inheritance that we did not deserve and could not take credit for. But instead of being thankful and treasuring our reward, we destroyed it because it did not fit into the plans we had for our lives. We made an appointment with a man, drove out to a place, and laid back idly while our inheritance was torn into tiny pieces and thrown into the garbage can. So many of us have done it that there is even a common name for it. It is called having an abortion.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:35, “Lo, children are a heritage (inheritance) of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.”

What have you done with your God-given inheritance? Did your reward from the Lord get torn apart and thrown out at some clinic as though it was just worthless garbage?

By: Rena

 

FRIENDLY THOUGHT

 

ALONE IN THE NIGHT

From Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Mothers
Alone in the Night
By Susan M. Heim

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
~Matthew 11:28

The first six months with our baby twins was such a sleepless blur that I barely remember those precious days. During this time, my husband had an office job, and so he had to get up early in the mornings. Therefore, the lion’s share of night duty usually fell to me (although he helped out as much as he could). I often jumped up in the middle of the night at the first sound of crying so that my husband could get enough sleep to enable him to function in the workplace. Saturdays were my only mornings to sleep a little bit as my husband then took over “morning duty.” On Sundays, we were both up early again to get everyone ready for church.

I learned very quickly that lack of sleep is often the number-one trial experienced by parents, especially in the first year. New mothers are often advised to “rest when the baby rests,” but my two little boys were never sleeping at the same time! But looking back on my many sleepless nights with my babies, it’s not the lack of sleep or extreme fatigue that I focus on most. It’s the private time that I had with them in the middle of the night when the rest of the household was unconscious.

I remember nursing my babies while rocking back and forth in a chair with the light of the moon shining through the windows. I’d admire their translucent skin, the curve of their little noses, and the perfection of their delicate fingers and toes. Knowing that I had the power to calm their crying and soothe their woes gave me a warm feeling. I’d marvel at each tiny bundle of joy as I held him in my arms.

Whenever I grew too frustrated at not getting enough sleep — and, believe me, it happened quite often — I’d use that time to say my prayers. As I rocked a child to sleep, I’d thank God for the privilege of being that baby’s mother. As I coped with a crying infant, I’d remind myself that he was just making his needs known. By focusing on the moment, I could deal with the job at hand, and not tally the hours of sleep I was missing in my head. I also asked God to give my husband and me patience with each other when fatigue shortened our tempers and made us forget we were on this parenting journey together.

Somehow, we survived those sleepless years of babyhood. I realize now it’s because I was never alone in the night. I had God’s company every step of the way.

 

A LETTER TO PARENTS

(You will find below a letter that I wrote to my neighbors. If you are a parent, ask yourself if perhaps this letter would apply to you and your children as well.)

Dear Parents:

I wanted to share some things that I have observed regarding the children I see in our neighborhood. I hope no one is offended by my words, but I felt that these things needed to be said.

Did you know that your children ride their bikes and play in the street with total disregard to their safety? Why are you not supervising your children? Will it take a car accidentally hitting your precious child or perhaps one of them being abducted before you come to your senses?

Did you know that your children swear and use curse words to each other that would make a sailor blush? Where do they pick up such language, and why are they unafraid to use it so openly in public?

Did you know that your children leave trash all over our streets? Did you move all the way out to Palmdale just so your children can make it as ugly as Los Angeles is?

Did you know that your children have no respect for their elders and no respect for the property of others? Your children act as though every house and every yard is their own private playground.

Parents, if I can see these things about your children, why don’t you? Or did you already know all of these facts, but just do not care?

Well, thank you for taking the time to read this.

____________________________________________________________________________

12 STEPS TO RAISING A JUVENILE DELINQUENT:

Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe that the world owes him a living.
When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he’s cute.
Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is twenty-one and then let him “decide for himself.”
Avoid the use of “wrong.” He may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested, that society is against him and that he is being persecuted.
Pick up everything he leaves lying around. Do everything for him so that he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility on others.
Take his part against neighbors, teachers, and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.
Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they won’t be so shocked when the home is broken up later.
Give the child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own.

9. Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort. See that his every sensual desire is gratified.

10. Let him read any printed material and listen to any music he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feast on garbage.

11. When he gets into real trouble, apologize to yourself by saying, “I could never do anything with him.”

12. Prepare for a life of grief. You will likely have it.

Taken from a pamphlet entitled Twelve Rules for Raising Delinquent Children distributed by the Houston Police Department.

 

THE TRAIN STATION

One early summer morning, I decided to spend the day with my mom. It was near her birthday, so I wanted to do something extra-special with her. My mom is older and has always lived a pretty routine kind of life. She doesn’t drive and has not experienced a lot of things that this world has to offer.

My mom always gets so excited when I call her to tell her that I’d like to take her out. I don’t even have to say where we are going. I just tell her to be ready at such and such a time, and she gives me a hearty, “I’ll be ready.” Come to think of it, I really should try to take my mom out more often.

Well, for this little excursion, I decided that a train trip would be fun. I figured that mom and I would go down to Union Station, catch the Amtrak, and make a day of it down in San Juan Capistrano. I figured that once we got to Capistrano, we could find a nice spot to have lunch, browse in the antique shops, and maybe even catch a movie. But even more important than what we would do once we got to Capistrano, first we would get a chance to enjoy that train ride just getting there!

I must say that I love riding trains. There is something neat about hearing the conductor say, “All aboard.” And once you are on the train, there is the luxury of just kicking back and enjoying the scenery as you make your way to your ultimate destination.

And what is almost as exciting as getting on the train, is just being at Union Station. You arrive at the train station, and there are people bustling all around you, coming and going to parts unknown. If you have never been there, Union Station is reminiscent of days gone by. There you will find deep, comfortable leather seats and art deco designed walls and ornate ceilings. I could probably spend a good part of the day just enjoying Union Station itself. It is just that special.

Well, back to me and my mom. We arrived at the train station, and I purchased our one-way tickets to Capistrano. See, I didn’t know how long we would be gone, so I decided to just buy our return tickets in Capistrano once we were finished exploring the city.

So after procuring the tickets, we sat in those comfy chairs in the Union Station seating area and just waited for the conductor to say those magic words. I was all ready for the fun ahead. I had my camera full of film, I had my purse full of spending change, and I had our train tickets in hand. So my mom and I sat and people watched for a bit, and then we heard the words we were waiting for: “All aboard.”

We hurriedly got up out of our seats and went over to queue up to get on the train. We wanted to be the first on board, if we could. Well, nowadays my mom just does not walk as fast as she used to. So we didn’t quite make it to the front of the line. So we were standing there, moving forward as the passengers ahead of us made their way on the train.

Then as we were standing there, a woman came up to me. She said to me, “Excuse me. You left this in the seat.” She was a woman who had been sitting about ten feet across from me when we were sitting in the waiting area. She was holding in her hand my purse. At that moment I realized that in all of the excitement, I had gotten up and left my purse in the seat that I was waiting in. I guess that because I had my camera on my shoulder, I didn’t realize that I was missing something.

I told the woman, “Oh, thank you,” and reached out and took my purse. Then she walked back to the waiting area, and I got back in my place in line.

So many thoughts were going through my head as I stood there after the woman had walked away. I thought, “What if a dishonest person had found my purse?” “How would my mom and I have gotten home from Capistrano?” For, you see, there is no telling when I would have finally realized that I didn’t have my purse with me. And I didn’t have any money on me other than what I had in my purse. We had a one-way ticket to Capistrano. How would we have paid for the tickets home? Inside of my purse were my car keys, house keys, checkbook, credit cards, and $80.00 cash. Because of my absentmindedness, all of these things could have fallen into the hands of anyone!

As all of these thoughts raced through my head, I thought, “Saying ‘thank you’ isn’t enough. I must go and offer that woman a small reward.” So I took out a $20.00 bill and stepped out of line and walked over to where the woman was sitting.

As I approached her, I said to her, “Please let me reward you for being so honest and returning to me my purse,” and I tried to hand her the money.

The woman shook her head “no,” held up her hand palm forward in a stop position, and said to me, “A person shouldn’t be rewarded just for doing what’s right.”

I almost couldn’t believe what I was hearing. What a beautiful person I was standing in front of. Again her words rang in my head. “A person shouldn’t be rewarded just for doing what’s right.” A simple statement, but also almost profound.

I then said to her, “Well, can I at least give you a hug?”

To that she said, “Okay,” and I quickly embraced her. Then she sat back down, and I went and got on the train.

All of these things happened a few years ago, but I never forgot that woman or her words. We live in a world where so many folks want to do evil instead of good, a world where people will rob you blind and not think twice of it, a place where the motto of many is “finders keepers, losers weepers.” It does my heart good to know that there are still strangers out in the world who want to do good deeds and conduct themselves in an honest fashion just because it is the “right” thing to do.

As Proverbs 11:3 says, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them; but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” May we all strive to live honestly and with integrity.

And you know what? If in the future anyone ever tries to reward me for an act of honesty on my part, I am not going to take their reward, but instead I will tell them what that woman told me.

By: Rena